UPSC Notes-Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI)

The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI), now known as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is an international organization that aims to improve access to new and underused vaccines for children living in the world’s poorest countries.

Historical Context:

1. Formation:
   • Inception: GAVI was created in 2000 as a public-private global health partnership.
   • Founding Partners: Founding partners include the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the World Bank, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, developing country governments, donor country governments, research and technical health institutes, the vaccine industry, and civil society organizations.
2. Purpose:
   • Vaccine Equity: The main purpose is to ensure that all children have equal access to life-saving vaccines, regardless of where they are born.

Objectives:

1. Immunization Coverage:
   • Increasing Access: Expand access to immunization in low-income countries.
   • Sustainability: Support sustainable health systems to deliver immunization programs.
2. Health Systems Strengthening:
   • Capacity Building: Strengthen the capacity of health systems to deliver vaccines.
   • Infrastructure Development: Improve healthcare infrastructure, including cold chain logistics.
3. Market Shaping:
   • Vaccine Affordability: Negotiate with vaccine manufacturers to lower prices and ensure a reliable supply.
   • Innovation Promotion: Encourage the development of new vaccines and delivery technologies.

Structure and Mechanisms:

1. Governance:
   • Board: Gavi’s board is composed of representatives from various stakeholders, including governments, donor agencies, international organizations, and the private sector.
   • Secretariat: The Gavi Secretariat, based in Geneva, Switzerland, manages day-to-day operations and coordinates with partners.
2. Funding Mechanisms:
   • Donor Contributions: Funded by contributions from governments, private sector partners, and philanthropic organizations.
   • Innovative Financing: Utilizes innovative financing mechanisms such as the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm) and the Advance Market Commitment (AMC) for pneumococcal vaccines.
3. Program Implementation:
   • Country Programs: Works with eligible countries to design and implement immunization programs.
   • Partnerships: Collaborates with local and international partners to deliver vaccines and strengthen health systems.

Achievements and Impact:

1. Immunization Milestones:
   • Lives Saved: Since its inception, Gavi has helped immunize over 888 million children, preventing more than 15 million future deaths.
   • Disease Reduction: Significant reductions in the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, rubella, and pneumococcal disease.
2. Health Systems Strengthening:
   • Infrastructure Improvement: Supported the development of cold chain infrastructure and logistics.
   • Training Programs: Provided training for healthcare workers to improve immunization delivery and management.
3. Market Influence:
   • Vaccine Prices: Successfully negotiated lower prices for vaccines, making them more affordable for low-income countries.
   • Supply Security: Ensured a reliable supply of vaccines through long-term agreements with manufacturers.

Challenges and Issues:

1. Funding Constraints:
   • Sustainable Financing: Ensuring sustainable funding to meet the increasing demand for vaccines and immunization programs.
   • Economic Downturns: Financial challenges faced by donor countries can impact funding availability.
2. Equity in Access:
   • Geographical Disparities: Addressing disparities in vaccine access within and between countries.
   • Reaching Remote Areas: Challenges in reaching children in remote and conflict-affected areas.
3. Vaccine Hesitancy:
   • Misinformation: Combating vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation and distrust in vaccines.
   • Public Awareness: Increasing public awareness and acceptance of vaccines.

Recent Developments:

1. COVID-19 Response:
   • COVAX Facility: Gavi co-leads the COVAX Facility, an initiative to ensure global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.
   • Vaccine Distribution: Coordinated the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to low and middle-income countries.
2. Innovative Programs:
   • New Vaccines: Introduction of new vaccines, such as those for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Ebola, into the immunization programs.
   • Digital Health: Adoption of digital tools and technologies to improve vaccine delivery and monitoring.
3. Strategic Partnerships:
   • Global Collaboration: Strengthened collaborations with global health organizations, private sector partners, and governments.
   • Research and Development: Promoted research and development of new vaccines and immunization technologies.

Future Prospects:

1. Expanded Immunization:
   • Universal Coverage: Aim to reach universal immunization coverage by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
   • New Vaccines: Continue introducing new vaccines and expanding the immunization portfolio.
2. Strengthening Health Systems:
   • Resilient Systems: Building more resilient health systems capable of responding to future pandemics and health crises.
   • Capacity Building: Ongoing training and capacity-building initiatives for healthcare workers.
3. Sustainable Financing:
   • Innovative Financing: Explore new innovative financing mechanisms to ensure long-term sustainability.
   • Donor Engagement: Maintain and expand donor engagement to secure consistent funding.