Gates Foundation's $1.6 Billion Pledge: A Lifeline for Global Vaccination
The Gates Foundation has committed $1.6 billion to support Gavi's vaccine distribution efforts for the world's poorest children. With major cuts in foreign aid, this funding is crucial in preventing increased child mortality rates. Gavi aims to raise $9 billion by 2030 amidst potential U.S. funding cuts.
The Gates Foundation announced on Tuesday its commitment of $1.6 billion towards Gavi, a public-private partnership focused on providing vaccines to impoverished children globally. This decision comes amidst concerns that reduced foreign aid could lead to higher child mortality rates this year.
Bill Gates, chair of the foundation, emphasized that supporting Gavi represents a significant measure to counter potential spikes in childhood deaths. Gavi's objective is to secure $9 billion in funding for the period from 2026 to 2030, with a major pledging event in Brussels on Wednesday, co-hosted by the European Union and the Gates Foundation.
The U.S. administration's intention to cut around $300 million annually in Gavi contributions raises risks of increased fatality rates, potentially resulting in 1.2 million additional deaths over the next five years, noted Gavi CEO Sania Nishtar. Gavi collaborates with governments to purchase vaccines against deadly diseases such as measles and diphtheria.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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