Gavi Board Announces Ambitious Global Immunization Strategy for 2026-2030

Gavi Board Announces Ambitious Global Immunization Strategy for 2026-2030

Gavi Board Announces Ambitious Global Immunization | Healthcare 360 Magazine

(Source-Gavi-the-Vaccine-Alliance)

The Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has set a decisive course for global immunization with the approval of the “Gavi 6.0” strategy for 2026-2030. This plan, unveiled during a two-day meeting in Geneva from June 6-7, 2024, represents the Alliance’s most ambitious effort to date. The strategy aims to protect more people against a broader range of diseases faster than ever before.

Gavi’s Chair, Professor José Manuel Barroso, emphasized the critical role of vaccines, describing them as “one of the most impactful and cost-effective health and development interventions available today.” He highlighted the importance of continued investment in vaccines to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and address challenges such as climate change.

The strategy focuses on several key areas: supporting new vaccine introductions, expanding existing programs, targeting “zero-dose” children and communities, scaling up innovations, and ensuring affordable vaccines for lower-income countries. Gavi Board 6.0 also aims to adapt to the evolving global Immunization landscape, addressing climate change, outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, and conflict.

Expanding Vaccine Portfolio and Addressing Global Immunization Health Needs

As part of its strategy, the Gavi Board approved the 2024 Vaccine Investment Strategy (VIS), which includes plans for new vaccination programs targeting tuberculosis, group B streptococcus, and dengue fever. Additionally, the VIS will support stockpiles and learning agendas for vaccines against mpox and hepatitis E.

The Board also endorsed a learning agenda for shigella vaccination and recommended ending the routine COVID-19 vaccination program by the end of 2025, given current coverage levels and epidemiological trends. Future COVID-19 needs will be addressed through Gavi’s emergency response mechanisms.

In response to the ongoing mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Alliance will leverage COVID-19 experiences to coordinate dose donations and support potential outbreaks in surrounding countries.

Strengthening Vaccine Sovereignty and Health Security

The Board approved the operational structure of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), which will be launched on June 20, 2024. This initiative, a US$ 1 billion financial instrument, aims to support sustainable vaccine manufacturing in Africa, enhancing the continent’s resilience to pandemics and outbreaks. The AVMA will involve governance mechanisms with partners such as the African Union, Africa CDC, UNICEF, WHO, manufacturers, and donors.

Additionally, the Board finalized the Day Zero Financing Facility for Pandemics, establishing a US$500 million First Response Fund for rapid emergency responses. This fund will focus on Gavi-eligible countries and WHO Public Health Emergencies of International Concern, covering vaccines, syringes, personal protective equipment, cold chain logistics, and community preparedness activities.

Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, stated, “The decisions taken today reflect our full Alliance of stakeholders aligning around a clear goal: ensuring Gavi’s model continues to best support the countries and communities who are our partners.”

Appointments and Committee Updates

In other developments, the Gavi Board made several key appointments. David Sidwell was named Board Member and Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee, replacing Naguib Kheraj. Sidwell will also serve on the Market-Sensitive Decisions Committee and the Investment Committee. Awa-Marie Coll-Seck was reappointed as a Board Member and member of the Programme and Policy Committee. Karen Sorenson was appointed to the Audit and Finance Committee and the Investment Committee, and Onei Uetela was named to the Evaluation Advisory Committee.