Last year (2024), our country faced a devastating vaccine stock out, putting millions of children at risk of preventable diseases. This crisis was avoidable. The government’s delay to meet its co-financing obligation to Gavi led to dangerous gaps in immunization coverage, threatening the health and future of our children.

We cannot let this happen again. Kenya has committed to contributing $12,379,110 (Ksh 1.6 billion) towards life-saving vaccines under the Gavi co-financing model for the 2024/25 Financial year, which unfortunately is still outstanding. The delays and shortfalls in government's commitment to this obligation continue to put our children's health at risk. The health of our children should never be compromised and should be upheld at all cost.

We, the undersigned, demand that:

• The Government of Kenya urgently fulfills its Gavi co-financing obligation for 2024-2025 to ensure a steady supply of vaccines.
• The Ministry of Health and Treasury to fast track the allocation and timely disbursement of immunization funds to prevent stock outs and safeguard our children.
• At this crucial time of swirling international donor support to public health and given the evidence that investments in immunization save governments from the high health and economic costs of vaccine-preventable diseases, it is important to streamline the process of immunization funding and communicate openly about it.

A nation’s future depends on the health of its children. We call on the President, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, and all relevant authorities to act NOW. No more delays. No more stock outs. Kenya’s children deserve better!