-- The Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) has spotlighted Episode 3 of its "One Shot, Long Life!" podcast series, focusing on parliamentary strategies to close immunization funding gaps as donor contributions decline. The episode features host Abel Akara Ticha in conversation with Vandana Shah, Vice President for Health Systems Strengthening at GHAI, and Hon. Amos Magaji, Chair of Nigeria's House Committee on Healthcare Services.
The complete episode is available at https://www.advocacyincubator.org/one-shot-long-life/episode-3-can-parliamentarians-help-close-the-immunization-funding-gap
The discussion highlights outcomes from the April 2025 Istanbul Parliamentary Forum, where legislators from 10 African and Asian countries pledged to advocate for greater domestic investment in immunization. The episode examines approaches to building political will, reinforcing accountability mechanisms, and introducing innovative financing tools such as earmarked health taxes.
According to WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi, the gradual shift from external donor support is placing pressure on governments to prioritize sustainable, locally financed immunization programs. This transition requires parliamentary leadership to protect child health and ensure national health security through domestic resource mobilization.
Speakers outline practical steps, including improving supply chain systems, enhancing vaccine delivery data, and ensuring timely fund releases. They also explore how the Istanbul Call to Action is shaping budgetary processes and oversight in Nigeria and other participating countries.
"Countries must build political will and adopt innovative financing approaches to sustain immunization programs," said a GHAI representative. "The Istanbul Parliamentary Forum created commitments that are already driving changes in national budgets."
The episode stresses the importance of maintaining donor engagement while supporting country-level progress toward self-reliance, underscoring the need to prioritize high-risk and underserved populations to ensure universal vaccine access regardless of geography or economic status.
"The One Shot, Long Life!" podcast is available in English and French.
About the Global Health Advocacy Incubator
The Global Health Advocacy Incubator partners with civil society organizations, governments, and stakeholders to advance public health through policy change. Over the past decade, it has supported advocacy movements reaching more than 4 billion people across 32 countries. GHAI provides technical assistance to strengthen local advocacy capacity and focuses on cost-effective, population-level health interventions.
To access the full podcast, visit https://www.advocacyincubator.org/one-shot-long-life/episode-3-can-parliamentarians-help-close-the-immunization-funding-gap
Contact Info:
Name: Jen Patterson
Email: Send Email
Organization: Global Health Advocacy Incubator
Address: 1400 I Street Northwest Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20005, United States
Website: https://www.advocacyincubator.org/
Release ID: 89169107