This paper examines whether countries granted debt relief have seized the opportunity to ensure the sustainability of their immunization programs. The Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative grants debt relief when qualifying governments agree to use the funds freed to implement Poverty Reduction Strategies (PRSs). As a cost-effective method to reduce poverty, immunizations should be in many PRSs, which are documented in interim PRS Papers (I-PRSPs). By including immunizations in PRSs, countries can improve immunization coverage, especially for the poor, ensure financial sustainability, and, ultimately, break the cycle of poverty and illness.
Our earlier paper, Poverty Reduction and Immunizations: Considering immunizations in the context of HIPC II debt relief, demonstrates why immunizations should be included in many PRSs. This paper was disseminated to all of the HIPCs and to the country staff of international agencies, such as UNICEF and WHO.
The paper to be presented will analyze the content of the I-PRSPs submitted to examine whether and how they address immunizations. To date (early 2001), approximately half of the 41 countries eligible for debt relief have submitted their I-PRSPs. Many more submissions are expected in the coming months. The I-PRSPs already submitted address immunizations only weakly. We expect to conduct field missions to HIPCs to assist with the preparation of I-PRSPs. The analysis presented will examine all I-PRSPs submitted by the end of September 2001 and our field experience. The results will show to what extent this opportunity has been seized and examine the implications for immunizations.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation participants will recognize the importance of immunizations in reducing poverty. Participants will understand the HIPC II initiative and its relationship to poverty reduction and how health interventions, particularly immunizations, can be included in poverty reduction strategies. Participants will also become informed of the extent to which countries have taken advantage of the HIPC II initiative to ensure the sustainability of immunization programs.
Keywords: Financing, Immunizations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Abt Associates, Inc.
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.