Inter Press Service: From Declaration to Action: Improving Immunization in Africa
Joyce Nganga, policy adviser with WACI Health

“…For Africa and elsewhere in the developing world, universal access to immunization is central to enabling individuals lead productive lives and for the continent to reach its full potential. Increasingly, we recognize that good health is a major driver of economic growth and must be at the center of all development plans. The cornerstone of this is strong immunization programs and sustainable systems. As the world and Africa commemorate this year’s immunization week, … our call to [national governments] is to re-examine their commitments and contributions towards domestic resources to ensure all children access immunization and that the gains made will be sustained and even surpassed. … It is up to government to remove the barriers, create the policy environment, and make the resources available to fund routine immunization for every child” (4/25).