Pacific Friends of Global Health has strongly endorsed the Australian Government's renewed five year commitment of $386 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, demonstrating Australia's steadfast leadership in global health.
The renewed pledge not only exceeds Gavi's $360 million request by 20 per cent, but demonstrates Australia's unwavering global health leadership and strategic vision. This outstanding commitment represents the single largest Australian investment in Gavi and ensures continued vital support for vaccination programs in lower-income countries, particularly the Asia-Pacific region.
"Australia's sustained $386 million commitment to Gavi represents an extraordinary return on investment for Australian taxpayers," Professor Brendan Crabb, Chair of Pacific Friends of Global Health and CEO of the Burnet Institute said.
"By investing in vaccines and immunisation systems, Australia contributes strongly to keeping our region healthier, more prosperous and more stable. The numbers show that there is simply no better return on investment."
Since its establishment in 2000, Gavi's mission has transformed global immunisation efforts. Gavi has helped vaccinate more than 1.1 billion children in 78 countries, preventing more than 17 million deaths worldwide.
Gavi is a global partnership of governments, foundations, civil society and private sector organisations who pool demand for vaccines in lower income countries and purchase them at scale, delivering large cost savings.
It supports child immunisation against human papillomavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcal, Japanese encephalitis, measles, rotavirus and polio. It also holds stock piles of cholera, yellow fever and Ebola vaccines for emergency use.
Australia's investment has been particularly strategic in ensuring Gavi remains deeply engaged with the Asia-Pacific region, directly contributing to the health of more than 300 million children through immunisation. The recent decision by GAVI's board to enhance support measures and improve vaccine access specifically for Small Island Developing States, directly benefiting Pacific Island countries, and reflecting sustained advocacy by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
These changes ensure more equitable vaccine access and sustainability of immunisation programs within Pacific nations, reinforcing Australia's vital role in promoting regional health security and a more equitable future for all.
"When Australia stays engaged with Gavi, Gavi stays engaged with our region," Professor Crabb said. "Australia's involvement in Gavi means more children in the Asia-Pacific receive life saving vaccines, strengthening our neighborhood and enhancing our own security.
""While the US government has withdrawn from global vaccination efforts citing unfounded safety concerns, Australia's strengthened support reinforces an evidence-based truth: vaccines are extremely safe and thoroughly tested - public health outcomes overwhelmingly show the benefits of vaccination outweigh any risks."
Recent projections highlight that for the 2021-2025 strategic period, Gavi is on track to immunise 300 million children and deliver 3.2 billion vaccine doses, generating up to $US100 billion in economic benefits. This demonstrates the comprehensive health and economic impacts of investing in vaccination programs.
"We have seen clear evidence that immunisation programs dramatically reduce healthcare costs, lost wages and productivity," Professor Crabb said. "For every US$1 spent on immunisation in Gavi-supported countries, an estimated US$21 is saved. Australia's leadership in funding global health initiatives is not only morally compelling but economically strategic.
"Maintaining Australia's commitment to Gavi ensures our region remains resilient against preventable diseases, significantly contributing to regional stability and prosperity. We commend the Australian Government for its ongoing leadership and vision in global health."
