1. What explains the rising costs of immunization programs?
National immunization systems in the developing world are immunizing more children than ever before, and they are progressively incorporating newer, more expensive vaccines into their immunization schedules, pushing costs higher.

2. How can poor countries hope to finance their own immunization programs?
All participating GAVI countries have pledged to increase their national immunization budgets as a condition for receiving GAVI grants. Yet even the strongest economies in the developing world are not growing quickly enough to keep pace with the rising costs of immunization programs. But broader, more efficient immunization programs can help build public support and provide an important rationale for policymakers seeking to increase their budgets. Attracting new cash and in-kind support from the domestic private sector can complement public sector funding and draw new stakeholders into national immunization programs.

3. What value does the Sustainable Immunization Financing program add to the global immunization effort?
Through its expert program officers and other technical assistance, the Sustainable Immunization Financing program facilitates the work of the GAVI Alliance partners, national governments, the domestic private sector and key civil society groups active in immunization.  The program also recruits new stakeholders and supports collective action by these partners, making it more likely countries will achieve fiscally sustainable immunization systems.
 
4. How can we assure that sustainable financing, once achieved, will persevere?
As the number of immunization stakeholders increases in a country, more citizens will value their national immunization system. Educating lawmakers on the importance of immunization increases the likelihood that government budgets for immunization systems will both increase and be safeguarded over the long term.  As immunization stakeholders gain awareness of similar advocacy efforts in other countries, fiscally sustainable programs will be seen as essential components of a global public good.

5. How is the Sustainable Immunization Financing program organized?
The program is headquartered in the Sabin Vaccine Institute in Washington, DC. The Institute's Executive Vice-President, Dr. Ciro de Quadros, provides oversight. A director and coordinator manage the program. Five field-based Senior Program Officers work directly with the program countries. An external Partners Group, consisting of representatives of the GAVI partner agencies, provides policy input.

6. Who funds the Sustainable Immunization Financing Program?
The Sustainable Immunization Financing Program is funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The Sabin Vaccine Institute provides indirect support.