Germany contributes 20 Million Euros to EAC to support immunisation programme in collaboration with GAVI

The Federal Republic of Germany today signed an intergovernmental agreement with the East African Community (EAC) in order to support vaccinations in the region. Germany makes available a financial contribution of 20 million Euros in support of an immunisation programme that will be implemented in collaboration with the GAVI Alliance.

The GAVI Alliance is a public-private global health partnership committed to saving children’s lives and protecting people’s health by increasing access to immunization in poor countries.

Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera, Secretary General of the EAC and Member of the GAVI Board, during the signing ceremony expressed his appreciation to the Federal Republic of Germany for its support in saving lives. ”This is a very important and critical programme, and I am sure with such commitment, it will grow. There is need for immediate support in the coordination of cold chain logistics,” Amb. Sezibera said.  The Secretary General stated the EAC Partner States are all introducing antigens simultaneously, making cold chain logistics support vital.

In his remarks, Hans Koeppel, Chargé d´Affaires at the German Embassy in Dar es Salaam, said, “The new commitments underline that Germany continues to be a strong partner for the EAC, contributing to an integration process that puts the people in the centre".

Since 1998, Germany development cooperation, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation (BMZ), has contributed to capacity development of the EAC Secretariat through various programmes and projects. Germany’s funding for Technical and Financial Cooperation with EAC amounts to approximately125.9 million Euros. Germany also provides substantial support for the health sector in selected EAC member states.