The global vaccine alliance Gavi is expected to request approximately $11.9 billion from international governments and foundations on Thursday to support immunization initiatives in the world’s poorest countries over the next five years. This target, outlined in board documents reviewed by Reuters, will be finalized at a donor meeting in Paris.
The funds will cover Gavi’s 2026-2030 strategic plan, focusing on expanding vaccination coverage and introducing new vaccines. Since 2020, Gavi’s efforts have resulted in the immunization of about one billion children against life-threatening diseases.
In addition to its core fundraising, Gavi will also launch a $1 billion African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator to enhance vaccine production capabilities across Africa. This initiative, separately funded, aims to bolster regional self-sufficiency in vaccine supply.
Gavi’s Chief Executive Sania Nishtar highlighted the organization’s commitment to accelerating vaccine availability and broadening its range of immunizations. Upcoming efforts will include expanding the malaria vaccine roll-out, which commenced in Cameroon, and addressing disruptions in routine vaccination programs for diseases like measles, which were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our goal is to reach the highest number of children, covering them against the widest number of diseases, in the shortest possible time,” Nishtar said in an interview on Wednesday, preceding the Paris meeting.
Despite the ambitious goals, Nishtar acknowledged the challenges posed by a constrained global health funding environment, with aid budgets under pressure from various global crises, including conflicts and climate change impacts.
“Gavi has never had to make trade-offs,” she remarked. “We have a broad portfolio of vaccines, but we’re operating in a context where donor resources are limited.”
However, Nishtar expressed cautious optimism about meeting the funding target, emphasizing the critical role of Gavi in global health.
Looking ahead, Gavi plans to establish an mpox vaccine stockpile and is likely to add a dengue vaccine to its portfolio, as climate change increases the risk of dengue outbreaks in more countries. Additionally, Gavi will set up a “day zero” $500 million pandemic response fund for rapid action against emerging infectious disease threats.
The organization’s continued expansion and introduction of new initiatives underscore its mission to improve global health by ensuring equitable access to vaccines for all children, particularly in the world’s most vulnerable communities.
