RESULTS endorses Gavi Resolution, calls for bold action

Senators Cardin and Wicker lead resolution supporting U.S. program to protect vaccines and immunizations in low-income countries through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Washington, DC, May 15, 2024—U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced a resolution affirming continued U.S. support for the purchase of life-saving vaccines for lower-income countries through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as a cost-effective, efficient means to end preventable child and maternal deaths around the world.

“Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance leverages the generosity of the American people and the ingenuity of the private sector to provide life-saving, cost effective vaccines to the world’s most vulnerable populations,” said Chair Cardin. “Investment in Gavi saves thousands of lives each year, while ultimately protecting Americans against outbreaks of infectious disease here at home. Our bipartisan resolution signals the United States’ continued leadership in combatting diseases like cholera, measles, yellow fever, and Ebola—which are preventable with adequate resources—while encouraging countries to become increasingly self-reliant in their vaccine programs.”

“This alliance is one of the tools we have at our disposal to help some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Their work saves lives and helps put developing countries on a path toward a healthier future. I will keep supporting America’s leadership in combatting global health challenges,” said Senator Wicker.

“ONE thanks Chairman Cardin and Senator Wicker for leading a bipartisan Senate resolution in support of Gavi’s life-saving work,” said Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President and CEO of The ONE Campaign. “Investing in Gavi is a strong sign of the U.S.’ commitment to protecting children from preventable diseases and helps leverage support from other donor countries to create a safer, healthier world for everyone. We hope to see other lawmakers join in support of this critical resolution.”

“We are very grateful to Senators Wicker and Cardin for their leadership on this resolution to help ensure the U.S. does its part to stop millions of preventable deaths in young children,” said RESULTS Executive Director Joanne Carter. “The RESULTS network joins its partners in urging U.S. leaders to support this resolution and continue global leadership with a bold 4-year pledge now to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. A strong U.S. investment of no less than $1.4 billion will leverage other donor support and catalyze critical country-led efforts to end deadly diseases that are a cause and consequence of poverty while also strengthening health service infrastructure that will help prevent the next pandemic.”

“Since 2000, Gavi has vaccinated more than one billion children, protecting an entire generation from infectious diseases,” said Martha Rebour, Executive Director of Shot@Life, and Margaret Reilly McDonnell, Executive Director of United to Beat Malaria in a joint statement. “Now, facing new challenges and armed with new innovations—including vaccines that can strengthen the fight against malaria and help save countless lives—Gavi needs the resources and support to continue its critical work. We applaud Senators Wicker and Cardin for their leadership on S.Res.684 and look forward to working with Congress to continue robust bipartisan funding for Gavi.”

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is apublic-private partnership that creates predictable markets for drug manufacturers by pooling demand from poor countries for vaccines, and securing long-term donor funding. The organizations has helped vaccinate over 1.8 billion people through preventative vaccination campaigns since the turn of the millennium. All participating countries pay a share of the cost of their Gavi-supported vaccines. As a country’s income grows, its co-financing payments gradually increase to cover the full cost of vaccines.

The resolution:

• Affirms the United States’ continued support for the purchase of vaccines for lower-income countries through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
   
• Supports the principles and goals of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, including ensuring healthy markets for vaccines and related products; and strengthening health systems to increase equity in immunization
   
• Recognizes the need for multi-year pledges from the United States to allow Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to maximize its impact to provide lifesaving vaccines and to leverage contributions from other countries and donors
   
• Encourages continued increased commitment and investment by the United States Government to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in the 2026 to 2030 strategic period

Full text of the resolution is available here.

This press release was originally published by the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

###

Media Contact:

Laura Labarre, RESULTS
[email protected]
+1 202.783.4800 x139

About RESULTS and RESULTS Educational Fund:

RESULTS supports a movement of passionate, committed everyday people using their voices to influence political decisions that will bring an end to poverty. Volunteers and staff multiply their impact through the enormous power of advocacy.

Our movement of volunteers is backed by a staff of researchers, policy analysts, and legislative and media experts. Our shared goal is the end of poverty. We have affiliates and partners across five continents, and a network of volunteers in all 50 states and worldwide. We’re a non-partisan advocacy group comprised of RESULTS Educational Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, and RESULTS, a nonprofit 501(c)4 grassroots lobbying organization.