World Bank to partner with global vaccine group Gavi on $2 billion in funding
The World Bank Group said on Saturday it is working with global vaccine alliance Gavi to strengthen financing for immunization and primary healthcare systems, planning to mobilize at least $2 billion over the next five years in joint financing.
The two organizations will also work together to advance vaccine manufacturing in Africa as part of a World Bank goal to help countries reach 1.5 billion people with quality, affordable health services by 2030, the World Bank said.
“Our expanded collaboration with the World Bank Group reflects a long-standing joint effort to support countries as they build robust and resilient health systems,” said Sania Nishtar, Gavi’s chief executive.
Gavi is a public-private partnership that helps vaccinate more than half the world’s poorest children against diseases.
The Trump administration had indicated in March it planned to cut annual funding of around $300 million for Gavi as part of a wider pullback from international aid.
In June, Gavi had more than $9 billion, less than a target of $11.9 billion, for its work over the next five years helping to immunize children.
Donors, including Germany, Norway and the Gates Foundation, have pledged money this year for Gavi’s future work.
