Core Points - The World Health Organization (WHO) African Regional Office and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance strategic cooperation in vaccine equity, local production, and health innovation in Africa [1] - The signing took place during the 75th session of the WHO African Regional Committee in Lusaka, Zambia, from August 25 to 27, 2025, marking a new phase in efforts to improve access to life-saving vaccines and medicines for the African population [1] - The agreement aims to strengthen regional capabilities in vaccine research, development, and manufacturing, which are critical for health sovereignty and pandemic preparedness [1] Summary by Sections - **Vaccine Production and Equity** - The memorandum reflects a commitment to invest in local vaccine production in Africa to address emerging health threats and reduce reliance on external supply chains [1] - This initiative is seen as a step towards achieving equity, resilience, and self-sufficiency in health [1] - **Significance of the Agreement** - The timing of the agreement is crucial due to new constraints on global health financing, highlighting the importance of regional partnerships like that of WHO and IVI to maintain progress and prioritize health issues in Africa [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent success of the Global Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) in securing over $9 billion in funding for the next five years, despite a significant shortfall from its $11.9 billion target, highlighting the critical role of vaccination in public health and the challenges posed by declining global health financing [1][5]. Group 1: Funding and Contributions - Gavi has raised over $9 billion for the period from 2026 to 2030, with the UK leading contributions at £1.25 billion (approximately ¥122.3 billion) and the Gates Foundation contributing $1.6 billion (approximately ¥114.7 billion) [5]. - The European Commission and member states collectively contributed over €2 billion (approximately ¥168.8 billion) [5]. - The withdrawal of U.S. funding, which previously contributed around $300 million annually, poses a significant challenge to Gavi's operations [5][6]. Group 2: Gavi's Operational Model - Gavi operates on a co-financing model where even low-income countries contribute $0.2 per vaccine dose, gradually increasing their financial responsibility as their economies grow [7]. - This model has allowed 19 countries to achieve self-sufficiency in vaccine funding [7]. Group 3: China's Role and Collaboration - China has transitioned from a Gavi recipient to a donor, contributing over $120 million since 2016, and is seen as a model for Gavi's empowerment strategy [9]. - The collaboration began in 2002 with a hepatitis B vaccination program, significantly increasing vaccination rates in impoverished regions [9]. Group 4: Vaccine Development and Global Health - Gavi has facilitated the entry of Chinese vaccines into international markets, with over 540 million doses of the encephalitis vaccine exported to low- and middle-income countries [10]. - Gavi aims to establish a global vaccine reserve for diseases like monkeypox, emphasizing the need for innovative delivery methods in low-resource settings [11][12]. Group 5: Leadership and Vision - Sania Nishtar, the first CEO from a developing country, emphasizes the importance of health equity and the urgent need for global vaccination efforts, especially as millions of children remain unvaccinated [14][15].

Core Points - The Global Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) successfully raised over $9 billion for the next five years (2026-2030) during the "Immunization for Health and Prosperity" summit in Brussels, despite a significant decline in global health financing [1][3] - Gavi has provided vaccines to over 1 billion children since its inception in 2000, preventing more than 18 million avoidable deaths, and currently serves nearly half of the world's children [1][3] - The UK and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are the largest contributors, with the UK pledging £1.25 billion (approximately $1.6 billion) and the Gates Foundation contributing $1.6 billion [3] - The U.S. has historically been a significant donor, contributing around $300 million annually, but announced it would stop funding Gavi, which could impact global vaccination efforts [3][4] Funding and Contributions - The total commitments for the next five years include £1.25 billion from the UK, $1.6 billion from the Gates Foundation, and over €360 million from the European Commission and member states, totaling over €2 billion [3] - Indonesia, which recently graduated from Gavi's support list, pledged $30 million for the next five years, showcasing a shift from recipient to donor [5] Gavi's Operational Model - Gavi operates on a co-financing model where even low-income countries contribute a small amount per vaccine dose, gradually increasing their financial responsibility as their economies grow [5] - Gavi's CEO, Sania Nishtar, emphasized the importance of maintaining communication with the U.S. government to secure ongoing support [5] China's Role - China is highlighted as a successful example of Gavi's empowerment model, transitioning from a recipient to a donor, contributing over $120 million since 2016 [7] - The collaboration between China and Gavi began in 2002 with a hepatitis B vaccination program, significantly increasing vaccination rates in impoverished regions [7][8] Vaccine Development and Innovation - Gavi is focusing on expanding its vaccine portfolio, including support for vaccines against hepatitis E, tuberculosis, and monkeypox, as part of its 6.0 vaccine investment strategy [8][9] - Gavi is interested in innovative delivery methods, such as microneedle patches, to improve vaccine accessibility in low-resource settings [9][10] Leadership and Vision - Sania Nishtar, the first CEO from a developing country, brings a unique perspective to Gavi, having witnessed the impact of vaccine-preventable diseases firsthand [12][13] - Nishtar's background as a physician and public health advocate informs her commitment to ensuring health and immunization as fundamental human rights [13]