Germany on Wednesday signed an inter-governmental agreement, worth 20 million Euros (over Rwf18.56 billion), with the East African Community (EAC) aimed at supporting vaccination in the region.

The financial contribution is in support of an EAC immunisation programme that will be implemented in partnership with the GAVI Alliance, a public-private global health partnership committed to saving children’s lives and protecting people’s health by increasing access to immunisation in poor countries.

During the signing ceremony in Arusha, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, the Secretary General of the EAC and a member of the GAVI Board, said: "This is a very important and critical programme, and I am sure with such commitment, it will grow.”

Hans Koeppel, Chargé d´Affaires at the German Embassy in Dar es Salaam, said: "The commitment shows that Germany continues to be a strong partner for the EAC, contributing to an integration process that focuses on empowering the people”

Germany’s funding for Technical and Financial Cooperation with EAC amounts to approximately125.9 million Euros.

Germany also provides substantial support for the health sector in selected EAC member states.