The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the procurement of vaccines for Sri Lanka’s National Immunization Programme for the period 2026–2030 through the UNICEF Global Supply Chain.
The National Immunization Programme aims to ensure access to high-quality vaccines at affordable prices, in line with the World Health Organization’s recommended immunization schedule. Each year, the programme vaccinates around 1.5 million children and 300,000 pregnant women to protect against 11 preventable diseases.
Sri Lanka has received support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) since 2000, including financial assistance for vaccine procurement through UNICEF’s Global Procurement Division from 2023 to 2025 under an integrated procurement mechanism.
UNICEF’s Global Procurement Division enables access to WHO-recommended and pre-qualified vaccines at competitive prices, ensuring a secure and reliable supply. Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the initiative will ensure uninterrupted vaccine availability, timely distribution, and efficient procurement practices.
Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to continue procuring vaccines for the National Immunization Programme through the UNICEF Global Supply Chain from 2026 to 2030.
