GFO Issue 463, Article Number: 2
ABSTRACT
This article highlights the Gavi’s Global Health Summit held in Brussels on 25 June 2025. The event which Gavi co-hosted alongside the European Union and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, raised over $9 billion to support Gavi’s 2026-2030 plans-falling short of its $11.9 billion goal. The summit facilitated commitments to lower vaccine prices and introduced over $4.5 billion in innovative financing instruments. Furthermore, there was a pronounced emphasis on bolstering vaccine manufacturing capacity within Africa, primarily through the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator.
On 25 June 2025, representatives from around the world gathered in Brussels for the Global Summit on Health and Prosperity through Immunization. The summit convened delegates from 55 donor and implementing countries - including 10 heads of state and 24 ministers - alongside leaders of global institutions, civil society, the private sector, and vaccine manufacturers. Co-hosted by the European Union, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi, with Global Citizen as a key partner, the summit marked a pivotal moment in the fight to protect children from preventable diseases.
As the world continues to grapple with overlapping crises - climate shocks, pandemics, conflict, and economic instability - the Summit served both as a celebration of past achievements and a call to secure the future of immunization through bold investments, innovation, and reform. Donors collectively pledged over $9 billion toward Gavi's $11.9 billion target for its 2026–2030 strategic cycle, known as Gavi 6.0, reflecting strong confidence in Gavi's model of pooled funding, co-financing, and partnership.
Commitments from leading donors
Two of Gavi’s most enduring supporters - the European Union and the Gates Foundation - led the way. Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, delivered a powerful keynote:
"Gavi prioritizes saving lives, and it does so with incredible scientific rigor. Over the last 25 years, the reduction in under-five mortality has been faster than at any time in history... and Gavi has played a key role in that progress."
He went on to highlight how Gavi has helped cut the cost of fully vaccinating a child by more than half, while driving vaccine innovation:
"Today, manufacturers make PCV vaccines available to low- and middle-income countries for just two dollars a dose... Since Gavi's founding, the total cost of fully vaccinating a child has been more than halved."
He also acknowledged the challenges ahead:
"Budgets are tight... But think of a mother bringing her gasping baby to a health center. And because vaccines aren't available, the baby doesn't survive... This is why the Gates Foundation is pledging $1.6 billion."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the sense of urgency and optimism in her remarks:
"Vaccines have saved more lives than any other medical breakthrough... More than 150 million lives have been saved... Today I am pleased to pledge €360 million to Gavi at this summit. This is part of a broader Team Europe commitment of €2 billion or more."
She underscored Europe's strategic commitment to empowering African nations to produce vaccines locally:
"Together we can ensure that vaccines are not only available in Africa but increasingly made in Africa... Team Europe is the largest contributor to the Africa Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator."
Von der Leyen emphasized the broader impact of Gavi’s work:
"Vaccines don't just save lives; they help nations to thrive."
Emerging economies signal ownership and co-financing
Emerging economies and implementing countries used the platform to underscore their commitment to Gavi - not merely as beneficiaries, but as partners and co-investors.
Indonesia, now a Gavi donor after years as a recipient, pledged $30 million. Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, spoke with clarity and pride:
"Imagine a world where every child, no matter where they live, has an equal chance to celebrate their birthday in good health... Today, we pledge $30 million in support of this vital endeavor."
Rwanda, also transitioning to a co-financing role, pledged $1 million. Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Minister of Health of Rwanda, emphasized the power of vaccines as a public good:
"We reaffirm our commitment... probably the most impactful tool to prevent disease... On behalf of His Excellency President Paul Kagame and the Government of Rwanda, we pledge $1 million to support this replenishment."
Uganda, another implementing country, reiterated its commitment despite domestic fiscal pressures. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, Minister of Health of Uganda, stated:
"Uganda is renewing its commitment of $1 million... We also urge our partners to invest in health system resilience, so countries can withstand shocks such as pandemics, climate crises, and conflicts."
From Singapore, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung praised Gavi's pandemic response and announced a new pledge:
"Gavi has delivered and deserves our strong support... We will now further support Gavi’s investment case with a contribution of $1 million for the 2026-2030 cycle."
MDBs fuel innovation and access
A major highlight of the summit was the announcement of over $4.5 billion in new financing instruments and partnerships. Gavi revealed plans to develop a new multiplier mechanism with multilateral development banks (MDBs) to expand primary healthcare and vaccination programs.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) committed up to $1 billion in funding for health projects in low- and lower-middle-income countries. It will also establish a $500 million emergency fund to provide Gavi and its donors with rapid access to funding during crises. Both initiatives are expected to launch by 2026.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a new partnership with Gavi to improve access to health and immunization funding across 36 Asia-Pacific countries. This will strengthen national immunization programs and enhance preparedness for future health threats.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) extended its €1 billion funding program to support routine vaccinations and emergency outbreak responses. This support will also help Gavi negotiate favorable terms with vaccine manufacturers and respond swiftly to global health needs.
The World Bank Group committed to a $2 billion partnership over the next five years. This funding will bolster basic health services and immunization programs in Gavi-supported countries, and enhance vaccine production capacity in Africa in collaboration with the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents.
Private sector steps up with $149 million to transform vaccine delivery
Gavi welcomed more than $149 million in new commitments from the private sector to improve vaccine delivery, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. A key initiative was the launch of the Innovation Scale-Up Fund, supported by $40 million from Grand Challenges Canada. This fund will support the development and scaling of innovative vaccine delivery solutions.
Other pledges included €9 million from the "la Caixa" Foundation between 2025 and 2027, matched by the Gates Foundation to total €36 million. These funds will expand childhood immunization and extend efforts to Portugal.
A consortium including the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), GiveWell, Arm, and a US-based foundation will invest $35 million in digital tools, health and nutrition services, and training for local health workers. In West Africa, Integrate Health and a partner organization will contribute $15 million to expand primary healthcare in Guinea and another Gavi-supported country. Zipline’s drone vaccine delivery will continue in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Nigeria, backed by up to $6 million in new support. To date, Zipline has delivered over 23 million vaccine doses. The Bayer Foundation has invested more than $2 million to support vaccine delivery in African farming communities, with plans to scale up. The UPS Foundation is contributing $2 million to enhance vaccine supply chains in low-income countries.
In Indonesia, Temasek Foundation, UBS Optimus Foundation, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative will launch a $4.54 million project using digital health tools and antenatal services to reach unvaccinated children.
Additional technology-driven innovations are gaining momentum. Signalytic, selected as a 2024 INFUSE Pacesetter, will deploy solar-powered digital systems in Rwandan health centers with $1.8 million in support from Arm, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and Project Last Mile. In Ghana, Simprints will roll out the world’s first open-source biometric ID system to link infants to their medical records and improve vaccine tracking, with $5.8 million in backing from Arm, CIFF, and the Gavi Matching Fund.
Other contributions include $100,000 from Workday and $175,000 from a US-based family foundation. Iveco Group and Gavi are also developing a logistics partnership aligned with Italy’s Mattei Plan.
Vaccine makers cut prices and expand access
Gavi’s unique public-private model facilitated major pricing commitments:
- Bharat Biotech and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) reduced the price of the malaria vaccine by more than half, to under $5 per dose.
- Serum Institute of India (SII) lowered the cost of the R21 malaria vaccine, saving over $100 million.
- GSK reduced rotavirus vaccine prices by 17% and cut cold chain requirements by 30%.
- MSD maintained HPV vaccine access pricing and advanced development of a new Ebola vaccine.
- SII kept pneumococcal vaccine prices low and introduced a meningitis vaccine suitable for storage outside the cold chain.
Strengthening Africa’s vaccine sovereignty through AVMA
The African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) received a major boost, with €800 million pledged from Team Europe. Key highlights included:
- A new technology transfer partnership between Biovac (South Africa) and Biological E (India) to produce pneumococcal vaccines on the continent.
- UNICEF announced a target for African manufacturers to supply 20% of the continent’s demand for eight essential vaccines by 2035.
- Gavi and MedAccess will develop a $50 million financial guarantee for African vaccine manufacturing initiatives.
Renewed partnerships and additional pledges
Several other donors also made significant commitments:
- Susanne Shine, Denmark’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Vatican: “Denmark intends to support Gavi throughout the entire 6.0 strategic period with a total of 125 million Danish kroner, approximately €17 million.”
- Finnur Birgisson, Deputy Head of the Mission of Iceland to the EU: “Today, I’m pleased to announce our 300 billion Icelandic krona contribution - a 20% increase from our previous pledge.”
- Isabelle Rosabrunetto, Director General of External Relations and Cooperation, Monaco: “My country is committed with a €1.2 million contribution - doubling its support from the previous period.”
- Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister: “I am pleased to announce Luxembourg's pledge of €5 million. Vaccine equity begins with access, and access begins with capacity.”
- Anne Aly, Australia’s Minister for International Development: “Australia will commit AUD 386 million to Gavi. Our funding for Gavi will not decrease.”
A defining moment for global health cooperation
Amid geopolitical tensions and shrinking aid budgets, the Gavi Summit underscored the importance of renewed global commitment to public health. The wide representation - from governments and banks to philanthropies and vaccine producers - reflected a new era of shared purpose.
As Ursula von der Leyen aptly stated: "The story of vaccines is not just one of innovation and medicine. It is, above all, a story of hope... Let us continue writing this global success story together."
With resources, political will, and innovation aligning at scale, the 2025 Gavi Summit sets a new benchmark for global health solidarity - and renews the hope that no child, anywhere, will be left behind.
On 25 June 2025, representatives from around the world gathered in Brussels for the Global Summit on Health and Prosperity through Immunization. The summit convened delegates from 55 donor and implementing countries - including 10 heads of state and 24 ministers - alongside leaders of global institutions, civil society, the private sector, and vaccine manufacturers. Co-hosted by the European Union, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi, with Global Citizen as a key partner, the summit marked a pivotal moment in the fight to protect children from preventable diseases.
As the world continues to grapple with overlapping crises - climate shocks, pandemics, conflict, and economic instability - the Summit served both as a celebration of past achievements and a call to secure the future of immunization through bold investments, innovation, and reform. Donors collectively pledged over $9 billion toward Gavi's $11.9 billion target for its 2026–2030 strategic cycle, known as Gavi 6.0, reflecting strong confidence in Gavi's model of pooled funding, co-financing, and partnership.
Commitments from leading donors
Two of Gavi’s most enduring supporters - the European Union and the Gates Foundation - led the way. Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, delivered a powerful keynote:
"Gavi prioritizes saving lives, and it does so with incredible scientific rigor. Over the last 25 years, the reduction in under-five mortality has been faster than at any time in history... and Gavi has played a key role in that progress."
He went on to highlight how Gavi has helped cut the cost of fully vaccinating a child by more than half, while driving vaccine innovation:
"Today, manufacturers make PCV vaccines available to low- and middle-income countries for just two dollars a dose... Since Gavi's founding, the total cost of fully vaccinating a child has been more than halved."
He also acknowledged the challenges ahead:
"Budgets are tight... But think of a mother bringing her gasping baby to a health center. And because vaccines aren't available, the baby doesn't survive... This is why the Gates Foundation is pledging $1.6 billion."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the sense of urgency and optimism in her remarks:
"Vaccines have saved more lives than any other medical breakthrough... More than 150 million lives have been saved... Today I am pleased to pledge €360 million to Gavi at this summit. This is part of a broader Team Europe commitment of €2 billion or more."
She underscored Europe's strategic commitment to empowering African nations to produce vaccines locally:
"Together we can ensure that vaccines are not only available in Africa but increasingly made in Africa... Team Europe is the largest contributor to the Africa Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator."
Von der Leyen emphasized the broader impact of Gavi’s work:
"Vaccines don't just save lives; they help nations to thrive."
Emerging economies signal ownership and co-financing
Emerging economies and implementing countries used the platform to underscore their commitment to Gavi - not merely as beneficiaries, but as partners and co-investors.
Indonesia, now a Gavi donor after years as a recipient, pledged $30 million. Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, spoke with clarity and pride:
"Imagine a world where every child, no matter where they live, has an equal chance to celebrate their birthday in good health... Today, we pledge $30 million in support of this vital endeavor."
Rwanda, also transitioning to a co-financing role, pledged $1 million. Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Minister of Health of Rwanda, emphasized the power of vaccines as a public good:
"We reaffirm our commitment... probably the most impactful tool to prevent disease... On behalf of His Excellency President Paul Kagame and the Government of Rwanda, we pledge $1 million to support this replenishment."
Uganda, another implementing country, reiterated its commitment despite domestic fiscal pressures. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, Minister of Health of Uganda, stated:
"Uganda is renewing its commitment of $1 million... We also urge our partners to invest in health system resilience, so countries can withstand shocks such as pandemics, climate crises, and conflicts."
From Singapore, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung praised Gavi's pandemic response and announced a new pledge:
"Gavi has delivered and deserves our strong support... We will now further support Gavi’s investment case with a contribution of $1 million for the 2026-2030 cycle."
MDBs fuel innovation and access
A major highlight of the summit was the announcement of over $4.5 billion in new financing instruments and partnerships. Gavi revealed plans to develop a new multiplier mechanism with multilateral development banks (MDBs) to expand primary healthcare and vaccination programs.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) committed up to $1 billion in funding for health projects in low- and lower-middle-income countries. It will also establish a $500 million emergency fund to provide Gavi and its donors with rapid access to funding during crises. Both initiatives are expected to launch by 2026.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a new partnership with Gavi to improve access to health and immunization funding across 36 Asia-Pacific countries. This will strengthen national immunization programs and enhance preparedness for future health threats.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) extended its €1 billion funding program to support routine vaccinations and emergency outbreak responses. This support will also help Gavi negotiate favorable terms with vaccine manufacturers and respond swiftly to global health needs.
The World Bank Group committed to a $2 billion partnership over the next five years. This funding will bolster basic health services and immunization programs in Gavi-supported countries, and enhance vaccine production capacity in Africa in collaboration with the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents.
Private sector steps up with $149 million to transform vaccine delivery
Gavi welcomed more than $149 million in new commitments from the private sector to improve vaccine delivery, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. A key initiative was the launch of the Innovation Scale-Up Fund, supported by $40 million from Grand Challenges Canada. This fund will support the development and scaling of innovative vaccine delivery solutions.
Other pledges included €9 million from the "la Caixa" Foundation between 2025 and 2027, matched by the Gates Foundation to total €36 million. These funds will expand childhood immunization and extend efforts to Portugal.
A consortium including the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), GiveWell, Arm, and a US-based foundation will invest $35 million in digital tools, health and nutrition services, and training for local health workers. In West Africa, Integrate Health and a partner organization will contribute $15 million to expand primary healthcare in Guinea and another Gavi-supported country. Zipline’s drone vaccine delivery will continue in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Nigeria, backed by up to $6 million in new support. To date, Zipline has delivered over 23 million vaccine doses. The Bayer Foundation has invested more than $2 million to support vaccine delivery in African farming communities, with plans to scale up. The UPS Foundation is contributing $2 million to enhance vaccine supply chains in low-income countries.
In Indonesia, Temasek Foundation, UBS Optimus Foundation, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative will launch a $4.54 million project using digital health tools and antenatal services to reach unvaccinated children.
Additional technology-driven innovations are gaining momentum. Signalytic, selected as a 2024 INFUSE Pacesetter, will deploy solar-powered digital systems in Rwandan health centers with $1.8 million in support from Arm, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and Project Last Mile. In Ghana, Simprints will roll out the world’s first open-source biometric ID system to link infants to their medical records and improve vaccine tracking, with $5.8 million in backing from Arm, CIFF, and the Gavi Matching Fund.
Other contributions include $100,000 from Workday and $175,000 from a US-based family foundation. Iveco Group and Gavi are also developing a logistics partnership aligned with Italy’s Mattei Plan.
Vaccine makers cut prices and expand access
Gavi’s unique public-private model facilitated major pricing commitments:
- Bharat Biotech and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) reduced the price of the malaria vaccine by more than half, to under $5 per dose.
- Serum Institute of India (SII) lowered the cost of the R21 malaria vaccine, saving over $100 million.
- GSK reduced rotavirus vaccine prices by 17% and cut cold chain requirements by 30%.
- MSD maintained HPV vaccine access pricing and advanced development of a new Ebola vaccine.
- SII kept pneumococcal vaccine prices low and introduced a meningitis vaccine suitable for storage outside the cold chain.
Strengthening Africa’s vaccine sovereignty through AVMA
The African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) received a major boost, with €800 million pledged from Team Europe. Key highlights included:
- A new technology transfer partnership between Biovac (South Africa) and Biological E (India) to produce pneumococcal vaccines on the continent.
- UNICEF announced a target for African manufacturers to supply 20% of the continent’s demand for eight essential vaccines by 2035.
- Gavi and MedAccess will develop a $50 million financial guarantee for African vaccine manufacturing initiatives.
Renewed partnerships and additional pledges
Several other donors also made significant commitments:
- Susanne Shine, Denmark’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Vatican: “Denmark intends to support Gavi throughout the entire 6.0 strategic period with a total of 125 million Danish kroner, approximately €17 million.”
- Finnur Birgisson, Deputy Head of the Mission of Iceland to the EU: “Today, I’m pleased to announce our 300 billion Icelandic krona contribution - a 20% increase from our previous pledge.”
- Isabelle Rosabrunetto, Director General of External Relations and Cooperation, Monaco: “My country is committed with a €1.2 million contribution - doubling its support from the previous period.”
- Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister: “I am pleased to announce Luxembourg's pledge of €5 million. Vaccine equity begins with access, and access begins with capacity.”
- Anne Aly, Australia’s Minister for International Development: “Australia will commit AUD 386 million to Gavi. Our funding for Gavi will not decrease.”
A defining moment for global health cooperation
Amid geopolitical tensions and shrinking aid budgets, the Gavi Summit underscored the importance of renewed global commitment to public health. The wide representation - from governments and banks to philanthropies and vaccine producers - reflected a new era of shared purpose.
As Ursula von der Leyen aptly stated: "The story of vaccines is not just one of innovation and medicine. It is, above all, a story of hope... Let us continue writing this global success story together."
With resources, political will, and innovation aligning at scale, the 2025 Gavi Summit sets a new benchmark for global health solidarity - and renews the hope that no child, anywhere, will be left behind.
