Global health financing advocacy: An examination of Gavi's argument
In a remarkable feat, Burkina Faso vaccinated nearly 11 million people in just ten days with MenAfriVac, a vaccine specifically developed for Africa to combat meningitis A. This rapid vaccination campaign, made possible by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has nearly eradicated meningitis A within the country.
Meningitis, a severe disease that can lead to deafness, brain damage, or death, particularly affects children. The disease is a significant health concern in the Meningitis Belt, a region in West Africa prone to devastating meningitis outbreaks.
Gavi, an alliance of governments, global organizations, vaccine manufacturers, civil society organizations, regulatory bodies, and donors, has played a critical role in reducing global child deaths by half since its inception. The alliance operates in the Meningitis Belt, and its efforts have been instrumental in eradicating meningitis A in Burkina Faso.
Gavi developed MenAfriVac®, the first-ever vaccine created specifically for Africa. Priced at less than $1.00 per dose, MenAfriVac has been administered to over 360 million people across sub-Saharan Africa, reducing the prevalence of meningitis A by 99%.
The success of MenAfriVac is a testament to Gavi's approach to vaccine distribution. By aggregating demand and providing manufacturers with guaranteed purchase commitments, Gavi shapes vaccine markets, dramatically reducing the cost of vaccine prices. Since 2001, this approach has cut the cost of routine childhood vaccines by more than half.
Every dollar invested in immunization programs through Gavi yields an estimated $54, totaling over US$250 billion in economic benefits to partner countries. This investment has also led to 19 countries becoming fully self-financing, indicating their ability to sustain their own immunization programs.
Gavi ensures vaccines reliably reach children who need them most through rigorous joint planning, detailed forecasting, disease modeling, and customized logistics support. This commitment to equitable vaccine distribution has been key to Gavi's success in reducing global child deaths.
In 2023, all Gavi partner countries fulfilled their vaccine co-financing commitments, demonstrating the alliance's effectiveness in mobilizing resources for immunization programs. Greg Widmyer, who leads the Immunization team at the Gates Foundation and serves as the foundation's representative on the board of Gavi, has been instrumental in these efforts.
Indonesia is one example of a partner country that has gone on to become a donor country, underscoring the long-term impact of Gavi's work. As the alliance continues its mission, it remains dedicated to ensuring that every child, regardless of their location or income, has access to life-saving vaccines.
