Written by Alice Njoki
Millions of children worldwide face a dire threat as UNICEF warns of severe consequences due to donor funding cuts. Kenya, a key beneficiary of vaccination programs through UNICEF, GAVI, and the Ministry of Health, risks setbacks in immunization efforts that protect against deadly diseases like measles, polio, and tuberculosis.
This crisis comes after two years of reduced aid, despite rising global crises. In Kenya, vaccine shortages have been persistent, with a recent shortage of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine reported just six months after a previous shortage in June 2023. Approximately 300,000 infants miss immunization annually, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The Kenya Expanded Programme on Immunisation (KEPI) aims to vaccinate 1.5 million children annually against six killer diseases but struggles due to funding gaps. Experts stress the need for integrating vaccine projections with budget allocations to ensure a smooth supply. UNICEF continues to appeal for sustained donor support, urging governments to prioritize children’s health amid growing global crises.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasizes that these cuts jeopardize historic progress in child health, such as halving global under-five mortality since 2000 and increasing immunization rates to 85%. The organization is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from governments, private sector partners, and individuals, making sustained support crucial for its mission.
This funding crisis underscores the urgent need for collective action to protect vulnerable children worldwide from preventable diseases.