Resource Mobilization and Financial Sustainability: Common challenges in preparing for the Gavi transition – Kenya

In Kenya, sustaining HPV vaccination within a life-course immunization framework has become an increasingly urgent policy priority as the country navigates its transition away from Gavi support. Kenya has partnered with Gavi since 2001 — receiving over US$940 million in cumulative support — and introduced HPV vaccination into the routine schedule in 2019; it entered the accelerated transition phase in 2022, with full self-financing originally anticipated by 2030. Co-financing obligations more than doubled during this period, rising from approximately US$5.2 million to US$11.5 million annually, compounding pressures from simultaneous reductions in Global Fund and US government contributions. In a significant recent development, Kenya has re-entered the preparatory transition phase, extending the timeline for Gavi support and providing additional fiscal space to realign domestic financing strategies. Key sustainability measures include ring-fencing immunization budgets at the national treasury level, engaging parliamentarians to secure long-term legislative commitment, and adopting the single-dose HPV schedule — supported by evidence from the KEN-SHE trial — to reduce commodity costs and simplify delivery. Additionally, Kenya is investing in the Kenya BioVax Institute with a view to local HPV vaccine manufacturing, following a joint-venture and off-take model aimed at reducing foreign exchange risk and improving regional supply security. Short-term priorities include rolling out single-dose standard operating procedures, strengthening UNICEF procurement mechanisms, and expanding school-based and community outreach for out-of-school girls.

Language:

Region:

Country:

Resource Year:

Event Type:

Format:

Media: PDF, Video