Norway to commit at least US$ 215 million a year to Gavi between 2016 and 2020

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg speaking at the Global Citizen Festival in New York.
Credit: Gavi/2014/Pascal Barollier.

Geneva, 30 September 2014 – Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance today thanked Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg for her country’s decision to commit at least US$ 215 million per year supporting immunisation in developing countries.

Speaking at the Global Citizen Festival in New York, Ms Solberg announced that Norway will increase its funding to Gavi to US$ 215 million for 2015 and then contribute at least the same amount each year for the 2016 to 2020 period. During this time, Gavi plans to help immunise an additional 300 million children, leading to five to six million lives being saved.

“By ensuring children get the necessary vaccines we will be able to greatly reduce child deaths,” said Ms Solberg. “The best way to reach children with vaccines in some of the world’s most remote, vulnerable and marginalised communities is through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. That’s why Norway has been a major funder of Gavi since 2001 and is committed to ensuring children everywhere have access to vaccines.”

Norway’s commitment is the equivalent of around US$ 40 per year for every man, woman and child living in the country. It is dependent on other donors also significantly increasing their support for Gavi as the Vaccine Alliance seeks to secure and additional US$ 7.5 billion to fully fund immunisation programmes in developing countries between 2016 and 2020.

Ms Solberg added: “Working together we’ve helped save more than six million lives. Now we must do more. Gavi’s strategic plan is to save at least five million lives in the period 2016 to 2020. Norway has committed USD $215 million for next year - and we will do more. I am proud to announce that we will continue to give at least this much annually over the following years - provided other countries and donors also significantly increase their support for Gavi.”

“We are grateful to Norway for recognising the importance and impact of immunisation,” said Gavi CEO Dr Seth Berkley. “The investment that Norway is making through Gavi will save lives and will support us in our mission to reach every child with vital vaccines.”

Gavi’s partners will gather in Berlin on 27 January 2015 for a pledging event hosted under the patronage of Chancellor Angela Merkel. The event will be an opportunity for donors to make financial pledges to ensure children are reached with vaccines through Gavi-supported programmes between 2016 and 2020.