Germany supports vaccination in EAC

By Raymond Baguma & agencies

Germany has signed an intergovernmental agreement with the East African Community (EAC) to support vaccinations in the region.
 

According to the agreement, Germany will contribute €20 million to support an immunisation programme that will be implemented in collaboration with the GAVI Alliance.
 

The EAC secretary general, Richard Sezibera, signed the agreement on behalf of the Community.
 

According to a statement from the EAC secretariat, Sezibera expressed appreciation to German support towards 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,” said Sezibera.
 

The secretary general also said that the five EAC partner states of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda are introducing antigens simultaneously, making cold chain logistics support vital.
 

Hans Koeppel, the 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.”
 

The statement added that since 1998, the Germany development cooperation (GIZ) has contributed to the capacity development of the EAC Secretariat through various programmes and projects.
 

Germany’s funding for Technical and Financial Cooperation with EAC amounts to approximately €125.9 million. Germany also provides substantial support for the health sector in selected EAC member states.