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Washington, 23 March 2018 – Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance welcomed final approval of the United States fiscal year 2018 appropriations bill. The budget includes US$ 290 million for Gavi, which will go towards increasing the organization’s capacity to purchase and deliver life-saving vaccines for poor and vulnerable children around the world.
The contribution to Gavi is part of the US$ 829.5 million approved for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Maternal and Child Health programs for 2018. This funding not only supports the introduction of new vaccines and innovative approaches and tools to expand equitable access to vaccines, but a range of other life-saving interventions.
“Gavi is grateful to the United States for continuing to invest in vaccines, one of the most cost-effective ways to save lives, improve health and ensure long-term prosperity,” said Gavi CEO Dr. Seth Berkley.
Dr. Berkley specifically thanked Senate State, Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Lindsey Graham and the committee’s Ranking Member Senator Patrick Leahy as well as the House State, Foreign Operations Subcommittee leaders, Chairman Hal Rogers and Ranking Member Nita Lowey for their commitment to providing vaccines that are saving the lives of millions of children around the world.
By passing this bill, the U.S. is demonstrating its continued and essential leadership in global health, supporting organizations that use innovative solutions to solve some of the world’s greatest development challenges.
The US$ 290 million contribution from the United States will help Gavi achieve its goal of immunising 300 million additional children between 2016 and 2020, preventing five million to six million additional deaths. The U.S. was one of the original six donors that supported Gavi’s establishment in 2000.