Ministry of Health has disclosed that it has fully financed vaccine procurement for the 2025/26 financial year, committing nearly K5.7 billion from domestic resources amid rising global vaccine costs.
Deputy Director of Community and Promotive Health Services, responsible for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), Dr. Mike Chisema, said the unprecedented allocation signifies Malawi’s growing resolve to achieve Universal Health Coverage and reduce dependence on external financing.
Government funding for vaccines has surged over the past six years from $200,000 in 2019 to $3 million by December 2025, enabling the country to meet its co-financing obligations and unlock Gavi support for non-traditional vaccines such as HPV, pneumococcal (PCV), rotavirus, and typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCV).
Dr. Chisema said the K5.7 billion investment, made despite ongoing economic pressures, demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
“This is a clear promise that Malawi will safeguard all eligible groups, especially children under two years, nine-year-old girls, and women of childbearing age,” he added.
Looking ahead to the 2026/27 financial year starting April 1, the Ministry said planning and resource mobilisation are already underway, with continued collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and other partners to reduce zero-dose children and expand immunisation coverage nationwide.
