KEWOPA Asks Government to Treat Child Immunization Funding as an Urgent Matter Following US Fund Freeze

Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has today written to the Ministry of Health and National Treasury asking for the increase in funding for child immunisation, warning that the US funding freeze has crippled programs and left millions of children vulnerable.

In a letter dated April 3,2025 the KEWOPA chairperson Hon.Leah Sankaire has asked that the matter on immunization financing be treated with urgency to avoid vaccine stock out.

“We issue an agent call to the Ministry of Health and the National Treasury to take immediate action to fulfil this obligation.Failure to meet this deadline will undermine Kenya’s Expanded Programme on Immunization and engage the process we have made.This is not a matter for further delay – the health of our children is at stake and timely payment is essential to ensure a continuous and reliable vaccine supply, ” the statement read in part.

KEWOPA today prior to the letter which was posted on their Official Facebook page, had a consultative meeting engaging the Health NGOs Network – Hennet on the Sustainability of Immunization Financing to ensure vaccine access is continuous and available for all children, vowed to be committed in advocating for legislative solutions that prioritize immunization and safeguard the health of children.

The meeting, while focusing on the sustainability of immunization financing highlighted the importance of addressing funding challenges to ensure that no child is left behind.

Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Hon. Jane Kagiri, OGW the Laikipia County MP who is also a member of the women parliamentarians emphasized the need for women leaders to voice concerns of the people on matters health and that which directly affects the people.

“As women leaders, our voices must be louder on health, sanitation, food, and issues that affect our people directly,” Hon.Kagiri affirmed.

The discussions also centered around securing adequate funding and policy frameworks to prevent vaccine stockouts and ensure consistent immunization coverage across the country.

According to KEWOPA, the women leadership remains dedicated to pushing for urgent solutions, ensuring that child health is not compromised and at the same time advocating for more robust financial commitments from both the government and international partners.