The Power of Vaccination: A Lifesaving Legacy

Fifty-one years post-launch of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), vaccines stand as a superhero shield against infectious diseases. Especially in low- and middle-income nations, these life-saving programs have slashed neonatal and infant mortality rates, paving the way for healthier, thriving adults.

Investing in a Healthier Future

Since the dawn of the millennium, Gavi has partnered with 40 African countries, pumping over **$11.9 billion** into immunization efforts, successfully reaching more than **438 million** children! Thanks to this monumental effort, a child born in a Gavi-supported nation is now **70% less likely** to succumb to a vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) before their fifth birthday.

The financial wisdom here is staggering: for every **$1** invested in immunization, countries see a whopping **$54** in economic returns, providing a fertile ground for growth in health infrastructure and essential public services like education and clean water.

The Urgent Need for Increased Investment

Despite these strides in child health, a disconcerting **20% of African children** still lack access to regular immunizations. Tragically, this leads to over **500,000 deaths** from VPDs each year—accounting for roughly **58%** of global VPD-related fatalities.

Now is the pivotal moment to amplify investments in immunization. From **2026 to 2030**, Gavi plans to rally at least **$9 billion** to immunize an additional **500 million** children, potentially averting another **8 to 9 million** deaths, particularly among Africa's youth.

Innovating for Health Resilience

As Gavi and its partners gear up for this monumental task, they're ready to tackle multiple disease outbreaks, strengthening health resilience in fragile communities and boosting economic productivity. Continued investment is vital, particularly against lethal diseases like malaria and cervical cancer.

Within this landscape of vaccine innovation, Gavi is actively collaborating with more than **30 countries** on introducing a groundbreaking malaria vaccine, with **20 countries** already rolling it out into their regular immunization schedules. Plus, over **29 nations** are making strides in HPV vaccinations, preventing up to **95%** of cervical cancer cases—a giant leap towards eradicating this deadly disease.

Fostering Local Ownership and Collaboration

Gavi’s strategy revolves around country ownership and co-financing, ensuring that nations themselves share the costs of vaccines. This approach strengthens sustainability and empowers countries to eventually finance their own vaccine doses.

Since implementing the co-financing policy in **2008**, contributions from supported nations have soared, surpassing **$1.5 billion** by 2022. This year, investments increased from **$162 million** to a record-breaking **$215 million**, showcasing unwavering commitment towards long-term sustainability.

The Path Ahead: Stronger Together

Gavi remains dedicated to collaborating with international partners alongside the Lusaka Agenda, ensuring a unified approach to strengthen country-level health strategies. These collaborations are set to enhance primary healthcare investments and boost Africa's health security, ultimately laying the groundwork for a brighter, healthier future for millions of children across the continent!