for Immunisation (IFFIm) to prevent millions of child deaths
24 April 2006
The Ministry of Finance is pleased to announce that South Africa will
contribute US$1 million over 20 years to the International Finance Facility for
Immunisation (IFFIm). South Africa joins seven other countries that already
contribute to this facility in order to prevent child deaths. These seven
countries are Brazil, France, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United
Kingdom.
In 2003, an estimated 10.5 million children died before reaching the age of
five, many from diseases that are already vaccine preventable. Over 27 million
did not receive immunisation in their first year of life, making them
vulnerable to infectious diseases in childhood and during the productive years
of adulthood.
The IFFImâs efforts will therefore contribute substantially in curbing child
deaths through child immunisation programs. It has been estimated that US$4
billion spent over 15 years, without frontloading, would save about 2.5 million
lives before 2015. By frontloading US$4 billion over 10 years through the IFFIm
mechanism, an estimated five million lives could be saved by 2015, and a
further five million adult lives 20 years later. It is anticipated that of the
total lives to be saved a significant number will be in Africa and Asia. In
total 41 African countries are likely to benefit, of which nine are in the
Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
This commitment by South Africa and Brazil to support the IFFIm demonstrates
the political will by emerging economies in addressing the problems of global
poverty.
Enquiries:
Thoraya Pandy
Cell: 082 416 8416
Tel: (012) 315 5944
Issued by: Ministry of Finance
24 April 2006
