Gavi to receive US$275 million funding from US federal budget

11th May 2017 Steve Hoare

Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, a global vaccine organisation, will receive US$275 million of funding following the approval of the US fiscal year 2017 appropriations bill.

The fiscal year for 2017 falls on the tail end of the Obama administration, with the newly elected Trump administration threatening cuts to US foreign aid and overseas assistance institutions.

Seth Berkley, Gavi’s CEO, said: “We are extremely grateful for the continued strong bipartisan support for Gavi’s role in expanding global immunisation programs, especially in a particularly challenging budget environment, vaccines are one of the best buys in global health and healthy families contribute to healthy economies.”

US congress has traditionally shown broad-based, bipartisan support for vaccines and global health, which the alliance relies on to continue its programmes in fragile states.

The US federal budget for fiscal year 2017 lasts from 1 October 2016 until 30 September 2017. The contribution to Gavi is part of the US$814.5 million approved for USAID’s Maternal and Child Health programmes for 2017. The deliberation process over funding for fiscal year 2018, which begins on 1 October 2017, is now underway.

A Gavi statement on the issue read: “By passing this bill, the US is demonstrating its continued and essential leadership in global health. From programs that prevent and treat diseases to those that improve the welfare of vulnerable people, especially children, in poor countries, the US understands that by saving lives around the world, Americans are safer and more prosperous here at home.”

Gavi is a Swiss foundation, which has charitable status in the US. The US is one of the Vaccine Alliance’s original six donor and Gavi considers it a key partner for funding and practical support on the ground.

 

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