Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the World Bank Group are strengthening their partnership to enhance financing for immunization and primary healthcare systems, while promoting regional vaccine manufacturing in Africa. The two organizations plan to mobilize at least US$2 billion over the next five years through joint financing aligned with country priorities. World Bank Group President Ajay Banga emphasized that strengthening health systems not only improves care but also creates jobs, drives economic growth, and builds long-term resilience across the health sector.
To support low- and lower-middle-income countries transitioning from external aid to sustainable domestic financing, Gavi and the World Bank Group will leverage innovative tools such as blended finance, buydowns, and guarantees, while collaborating on public financial management and other key areas. Gavi CEO Dr. Sania Nishtar highlighted that the expanded collaboration will help countries achieve ownership and self-reliance while building resilient health systems capable of responding to future health threats.
The partnership also focuses on advancing vaccine manufacturing in Africa, supporting the African Union’s target of producing 60% of vaccines domestically by 2040, and aligning with Gavi’s African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator. Collaboration with regional and global partners will be central to scaling vaccine production and ensuring equitable access.
This initiative contributes to the World Bank Group’s goal of delivering quality, affordable health services to 1.5 billion people by 2030. Since launching the initiative 18 months ago, the World Bank Group and partners have reached an additional 375 million people while scaling proven primary care approaches that strengthen health outcomes, create employment in the health workforce, and support local supply chains and industries.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Gavi and the World Bank Group, signed during the Universal Health Coverage High-level Forum, builds on Gavi’s US$4.5 billion complementary financing announced at its replenishment summit. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to sustainable health systems, equitable vaccine access, and resilient healthcare infrastructure.
Gavi, established in 2000, is a public-private partnership that has helped vaccinate over 1.2 billion children and prevented more than 20.6 million future deaths in 78 lower-income countries. The organization focuses on immunizing zero-dose children, strengthening health systems, and improving global health security through vaccine stockpiles and innovative technologies.
The World Bank Group works to eliminate poverty and promote sustainable development globally through financing, knowledge, and expertise. Its institutions include the World Bank, IFC, MIGA, and ICSID, all collaborating to support countries in achieving resilient, inclusive, and sustainable growth.
