Suriname is preparing to include the pneumococcal vaccine in the national vaccination programme. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labour has discussed the rollout with vaccine alliance Gavi and UN partners. The vaccine is intended to protect young children against serious infections, including pneumonia and meningitis.
According to the ministry, Gavi will cover 50 percent of the introduction costs. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF are also involved in the preparations.
The plans involve more than purchasing the vaccine. Suriname also wants to improve vaccine storage and transport, including by strengthening cooling facilities and logistics. This should help make vaccines available in the interior as well.
A technical team is working on the final project proposal, which must be submitted to an independent Gavi review committee in Geneva by the end of October at the latest. Funding has therefore not yet been fully secured. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labour will consult with the Ministry of Finance in the coming weeks on the financial schedule and Suriname’s contribution.
Minister André Misiekaba calls vaccination an investment in the country’s future. By preventing diseases, medical costs can also be saved in the long term, according to him.
