Around the world, governments of different countries pledged $8.8 billion for global vaccines alliance Gavi to help immunization programmes disrupted by coronavirus pandemic. India committed $15 million to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi) over the next five years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the Global Vaccine Summit hosted by United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson, while speaking at virtual summit PM Modi said that India recognizes and values the work of Gavi. It is not just a global alliance but also a symbol of global solidarity and a reminder of that by helping others we can also help ourselves. We understand the importance of immunizations. One of the first programmes launched by our government was Mission Indradhanush. We are foremost producer of vaccines at low cost and contributed in efforts to immunize nearly 60% of world’s child population.
Referring to the situation posed by the COVID-19 PM Modi said that India stood in solidarity with the world. India’s talent in scientific research was at service of humanity. He also stated that India had digitized its entire vaccine supply line with an intelligence network to monitor the integrity of its cold chain. These innovations are ensuring the availability of safe and potent vaccines in the right quantities at the right time.
The summit held virtually in view of the global lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Over 50 countries including business leaders, UN agencies, civil society, government ministers, Heads of State, and country leaders participated in the virtual summit.
Gavi is a public-private Global Health partnership to boost access to immunization, especially in poor countries. The alliance brings together the organizations like the WHO, UNICEF and the World Bank to achieve 100% vaccination. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the key partners in this alliance. This year’s Gavi summit has been shared by the United Kingdom and is attended by at least 30 heads of state and heads of government. The summit aims to mobilize at least 7.4 billion US dollars to strengthen the vaccine distribution network across the poorest of nations and the summit is almost certain to reach its targeted amount with 75% of the amount already pledged. The UK alone has promised about £1.65 billion over the next five years. The US has set aside $1.16 billion over the next three years while Saudi Arabia pledged $150 million, China pledged $20 million, the European Commission pledged €300 million, Japan $300 million, and Australia pledged 300 million Australian dollars for this global alliance.
