For millions of kids, a tiny needle can be the big difference between a life of poverty and one of possibility.
Gavi is one of the most effective global health organizations on the planet. It has helped over one billion children receive routine childhood immunizations, including for pneumonia, hepatitis, measles, and malaria. However, due to growing global conflicts, displacement, and COVID-19-related disruptions, some 20.5 million children missed out on these life-saving vaccines in 2022.
The Gavi Resolution (H.Res. 1286 and S.Res. 684) affirms continued US bipartisan Congressional support for the purchase of vaccines in low-income countries through Gavi as a cost-effective, efficient means to end preventable child and maternal deaths.
Gavi’s model emphasizes the importance of country ownership and sustainability by requiring eligible countries to fund a portion of their vaccination expenses and invest directly in childhood immunization. Already, 19 countries have graduated away from Gavi support and now fully fund their immunization programs. Strong US support also leverages commitments from other countries and donors.
We want to encourage access to two new vaccines to prevent malaria—RTS,S and R21—for those in greatest need.
• 95% of the world's malaria-related deaths occur in Africa (more than 600,000 in 2022)
• Children under 5 account for 4 out of 5 malaria deaths
Along with the ONE Campaign, RESULTS, United to Beat Malaria, and Shot@Life, please support this life-saving program. We must step up the fight so that progress doesn’t slip, especially when it comes to protecting children in the fight against preventable diseases.
Please ask your representatives and senators to:
- Co-sponsor the Gavi resolutions (H.Res. 1286 in the House and S.Res. 684 in the Senate) if they have not already done so, and
- Support US funding for Gavi; the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; and the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative in the appropriations process.