“Our Turn to Deliver”: Dr. Christopher Kalila’s Call for Stronger Parliamentary Leadership in Domestic Immunisation Financing

At the recent Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) Conference on Immunization Financing, held in Istanbul, Turkey, from April 15–16, 2025, and supported by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, Zambia’s Hon. Dr. Christopher Kalila, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Health and Social Services, delivered an inspiring keynote address that stirred the room and spotlighted the critical role of parliamentary leadership in health financing.

Speaking to a diverse audience of over 50 delegates from Africa and Asia, Dr. Kalila shared lessons from his parliamentary journey since 2008 and his current role leading Zambia’s Health Committee. He warmly acknowledged the 20 Members of Parliament from 11 countries in attendance – including Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Laos, and Zambia- calling for renewed solidarity in strengthening health systems across the continent.

Dr. Kalila cited Zambia as a prime example of how parliaments can drive impact. Through active engagement in budget analysis and prioritisation, the country doubled its supply chain allocation from K2.5 billion in 2020 to K5 billion, leading to 80% stock availability of essential health commodities, including vaccines. This, he emphasised, was a testament to what parliamentary oversight can achieve when lawmakers are empowered, informed, and committed.

Dr. Kalila further pushed for innovation beyond traditional budget channels, pointing to Zambia’s participation in the African Union Task Force on Domestic Resource Mobilisation- a network of members of parliament under the African Health Financing and Delivery (AHFiD) Network working to close the immunisation financing gap through homegrown solutions.

In February 2025, this network convened in Tanzania and collectively raised concern over the decline in global vaccine financing. As Chairperson, Dr. Kalila personally delivered a letter to the UK government, highlighting the potential consequences of funding reductions on Africa’s children and urging continued support.

Drawing on the Abuja Declaration, Dr. Kalila reminded his peers that this is a generational responsibility. “This is not new work- our forefathers laid the foundation. It is now our turn to sustain the momentum and secure the health of our people,” he said.

His remarks underscored the indispensable role of parliaments in bridging the gap between policy and action, from domestic resource mobilisation to oversight and accountability, to policy advocacy and community engagement.