This evaluation assesses the financial and programmatic sustainability and overall results of Gavi supported immunisation activities in Albania. It is important to note that Albania did not experience a graduation phase similar to current Phase III Gavi graduating countries. Gavi support to Albania concluded when the time-limited multi-year period for which support had been approved came to an end in 2013.

In 2015, the Curatio International Foundation conducted an evaluation on how Albania managed the transition away from Gavi’s support and what the impact was of this transition on the sustainability of the national immunisation programme.

APPROACH

The evaluation examined both the financial and programmatic sustainability of the immunization program through in-depth analysis of Albania’s experience and program performance before, during, and after the completion of Gavi’s time-limited, multi-year support to the country. The evaluation examined the types and quantity of Gavi support, and the plans and steps taken by the Government of Albania to replace Gavi funds after transition. The recommendations and lessons learned from the evaluation are expected to inform possible future amendments to the Gavi’s Graduation Policy.

Curatio focused the evaluation on three main areas:

• planning (pre-Gavi support)
• implementation (support received during Gavi period)
• outcomes (post-Gavi support).

METHODS

To perform this assessment, the Curatio International Foundation implemented a mixed methods approach, using both quantitative and qualitative methods, including:

• A desk review of key documents pertaining the Gavi support to Albania
• Key informant in-depth interviews were conducted during site visits across Albania
• Quantitative data analysis.

MAIN FINDINGS

• The coordination mechanism between partners  established at the time of Gavi support continues to operate, although the frequency of the meetings has decreased
• All Gavi supported activities have been continued : The Hep B and pentavalent vaccines and Auto-Disable (AD) syringes are fully financed by the Government, and are safeguarded in the MoH budget
• Stable and high immunization coverage rates (> 95%) for all antigens included in the national immunization schedule have been sustained as of today at the national and district levels
• Achievements in safe injection have been sustained in Albania
• After Gavi support ended, Albania has continued to introduce new vaccines
• The budget planning mechanism used for vaccine procurement during the Gavi support period has been maintained and institutionalized
• The use of the UNICEF procurement mechanism for purchasing all vaccines in the immunization schedule has been sustained.

RELATED DOWNLOADS

Final evaluation of Gavi support to Albania