World Bank and Gavi Boost Immunization Funding with $2 Billion Push

The World Bank Group is partnering with Gavi to enhance vaccine financing and healthcare systems, with plans to mobilize $2 billion over five years. Their collaboration aims to improve vaccine manufacturing in Africa. However, U.S. support has waned due to safety concerns and funding scrutiny.

The World Bank Group announced a partnership with global vaccine alliance Gavi to bolster immunization and primary healthcare systems, targeting a joint mobilization of at least $2 billion over the next five years.

A crucial component of this collaboration is advancing vaccine manufacturing in Africa, part of the World Bank's broader objective to provide affordable, quality health services for 1.5 billion people by 2030. Gavi, a coalition aiding the vaccination of more than half of the world's poorest children, aligns with these goals.

While Sania Nishtar, Gavi's chief executive, emphasized the enduring collaboration with the World Bank, the U.S., led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has ceased funding Gavi due to safety concerns. Despite past funding cuts by the Trump administration, Gavi's future is secured with pledges from Germany, Norway, and the Gates Foundation.

(With inputs from agencies.)