IFFIm program celebrates first year with $912M donations to immunization projects worldwide

The GAVI Alliance, which distributes funds raised by the International Finance Facility for Immunization (IFFIm) has announced that, in its first year, the scheme has resulted in $912.0 million being distributed to developing countries, to provide for the immunization programs or the infrastructure to enable vaccination to go ahead. Julian Lob-Levyt, the GAVI Alliance's executive secretary, said: "IFFIm support has doubled the amount of money GAVI has been able to allocate to its immunization and health system-strengthening programs."

The World Bank manages the IFFIm's finances, funding strategy, and its implementation in the capital markets. Of the $912.0 million being given to countries in 2007:

- $181.0 million is being spent on securing supply of the combination pentavalent vaccine for children against diptheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), a cause of severe infections including meningitis and pneumonia;