Abu dhabi: Lower-income countries have collectively invested a record $302 million in Gavi-supported immunisation programmes for the year 2025, marking a significant milestone in global health financing. This new data, released by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, highlights the increasing financial commitment from these countries towards sustainable vaccine funding.
According to Emirates News Agency, the accelerated investment reflects a broader trend of countries taking greater ownership of their immunisation financing. Gavi's model, which emphasizes a co-financing approach, has facilitated this transition by encouraging government investment in vaccines over time. Over the past five years, lower-income countries have contributed a total of $1.1 billion towards vaccine costs, matching the amount raised in the previous thirteen years combined.
Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, noted the significance of this development in a challenging global financing environment. 'Record co-financing at this scale demonstrates that the shift toward country-led, sustainable immunisation systems is gaining momentum and that we are entering a new era when it comes to protecting children against preventable diseases,' she said.
The 2025 results underscore the prioritization of immunisation in national budgets, with all Gavi-eligible countries meeting their co-financing obligations except those facing acute humanitarian emergencies. Of the 16 countries affected by fragility and conflict, only six required waivers, highlighting the resilience of government commitments even in crisis situations.
Since the introduction of Gavi's co-financing policy in 2008, countries are expected to contribute a cumulative $2.2 billion by the end of 2025. This sustained growth in domestic financing occurs despite economic pressures, rising debt, and humanitarian crises, with further acceleration anticipated.
Since its inception in 2000, Gavi has collaborated with countries to protect over 1.1 billion children from various diseases, significantly reducing childhood mortality and preventing outbreaks. Notably, every dollar spent on immunisation yields $54 in socioeconomic returns, with Gavi-supported programmes generating over $100 billion for participating countries. Emergency vaccinations have notably reduced cases and deaths by 60% on average in lower-income nations.