Geneva: Funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is needed now more than ever, says Save the Children, as donors, public and private partners, and civil society meet tomorrow at Gavi’s High-Level Pledging Summit. The summit seeks to raise at least US$ 9 billion from donors to protect 500 million children and save at least 8 million lives from 2026-2030.

According to Save the Children, vaccines have been a source of hope and progress for over two centuries, contributing to longer and better lives for children and adults. In the past 50 years alone, vaccines have saved more than 154 million people and significantly reduced the global burden of infectious diseases. Despite the proven results, this progress faces serious threats, highlighting the need for continued support for Gavi.

Save the Children emphasized that without Gavi’s efforts to ensure affordable vaccines for vulnerable populations, maintaining global health progress would be challenging. The organization stressed that governments should prioritize funding for Gavi, as vaccination enhances safety for all.

The organization also highlighted that with increased funding, Gavi can invest in strengthening health systems and delivering more vaccines to children, particularly those who are under-immunized or living in fragile or high-risk settings.