The World Bank Group announced a major expansion of its partnership with global vaccine alliance Gavi, unveiling a joint plan to mobilize at least $2 billion over the next five years to strengthen immunization programs and primary healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries. The move marks one of the most ambitious global health financing efforts in recent years and aims to accelerate access to vaccines, enhance local manufacturing, and support countries in building long-term resilience in healthcare delivery.
According to the announcement, the collaboration will focus on boosting the financial capacity of countries to improve vaccination coverage, upgrade primary health infrastructure, and respond to public health emergencies. The initiative aligns with the World Bank Group’s wider goal of enabling nations to reach 1.5 billion people with quality and affordable health services by 2030, ensuring that essential care becomes more accessible in vulnerable regions across the world.
A key component of the partnership involves advancing vaccine manufacturing capabilities in Africa, an area where limited production capacity has historically hindered timely and equitable vaccine distribution. The World Bank emphasized that expanding regional production is critical for reducing dependency on global supply chains, particularly during pandemics, when competition for vaccines intensifies and low-income countries face severe shortages.
Gavi, which plays a central role in vaccinating more than half of the world’s poorest children, welcomed the enhanced collaboration. Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, said the partnership reflects a long-standing commitment between the two organizations to help countries build health systems that are both robust and resilient. She noted that strengthening immunization infrastructure would not only improve disease prevention but also enhance overall healthcare delivery.
The announcement comes at a time when Gavi faces significant funding challenges. In June, the organization had secured just over $9 billion—falling short of its $11.9 billion target for upcoming initiatives supporting child immunization over the next five years. Despite strong commitments from major donors such as Germany, Norway, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, uncertainty persists as the United States has announced it will cease contributions. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. argued earlier this year that Gavi must justify the $8 billion in U.S. funding it has received since 2001, signaling a shift in America’s approach to international health assistance.
The World Bank and Gavi partnership is expected to help bridge some of these financial gaps, providing critical support at a time when global immunization efforts still face setbacks, especially after disruptions caused by recent global health crises. By channeling new financing into primary healthcare, expanding Africa’s vaccine manufacturing footprint, and reinforcing frontline immunization systems, the two organizations aim to foster long-term resilience in global health ecosystems.
As countries continue to tackle gaps in disease prevention and healthcare access, the strengthened partnership between the World Bank and Gavi underscores the global urgency to invest in health systems capable of protecting populations today and preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
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