Millions of children across the globe, including in Ghana, are set to receive life-saving vaccines against some of the world’s deadliest diseases, following a £1.25 billion pledge by the United Kingdom to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The announcement was made by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Gavi’s Global Summit in Brussels.
This major commitment extends the UK’s 25-year partnership with Gavi—one that has already vaccinated over 1 billion children, saved more than 18 million lives, and generated $250 billion in economic benefits through reduced mortality and disability since its inception in 2000.
The new funding will support Gavi’s mission to protect up to 500 million children between 2026 and 2030, and save up to 8 million more lives.
The ripple effect also reaches the UK economy, boosting local industries through partnerships with companies like GSK, which employs around 14,000 people in the UK.
Lammy hailed Gavi’s global impact, saying: “Over 1 billion children vaccinated, over 18 million lives saved, over $250 billion injected into the global economy.
“I’m immensely proud of the role the UK has played. Our ongoing partnership with Gavi will give millions of children a better start, save lives, and protect us all from the spread of deadly diseases.”
Gavi’s influence also strengthens the UK’s health security by preventing infectious diseases from reaching its borders, relieving pressure on hospitals and preparing the NHS for future challenges.
Minister for Development Jenny Chapman emphasised the strategic value of the UK-Gavi partnership:
“Our modern approach to development means focusing on where we can have the biggest impact. Our partnership with Gavi saves lives, supports UK jobs, and showcases British innovation on the global stage.”
Earlier in the week, Chapman visited GSK’s research hub in Stevenage with Gavi CEO Dr. Sania Nishtar, discussing cutting-edge vaccine research, including new malaria and TB vaccines.
Dr. Nishtar praised the UK’s continued leadership in global health: “The United Kingdom is one of Gavi’s longest and most committed partners.
This pledge reaffirms its status as a leader in global health, leveraging British science and innovation to save lives and fight outbreaks.”
With 56 countries and over 60 organisations now supporting Gavi—and with former recipients like India and Indonesia becoming donors—the UK’s renewed investment underscores its global health leadership and deepens its legacy in safeguarding future generations.
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