The UK’s work with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Information note

This information note provides background on the UK’s relationship with Gavi and on the development case for investing in Gavi, with a brief discussion of the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a factual information note, it is not evaluative and does not make any recommendations. It concludes by suggesting a number of lines of enquiry that the International Development Committee may wish to pursue.

Suggested lines of enquiry:

1. Is Gavi achieving the right balance between immunisation campaigns and strengthening national health systems?
2. How will DFID ensure that global momentum is sustained on child immunisation? Will the UK’s contribution to Gavi’s routine vaccination programming be ring-fenced for that purpose?
3. What should Gavi do differently to prevent leaving behind pockets of zero-dose children?
4. Where does Gavi need to improve as an organisation? Does DFID propose to include performance incentives in its funding agreement?
5. How should Gavi manage the trade-off between comprehensive delivery of a basic package of vaccines for all, and delivery of more expensive vaccines to selected populations?
6. How can DFID support Gavi to ensure that developing countries gain timely and equitable access to a future COVID-19 vaccine, in the face of global competition?
7. In light of the economic impact of the pandemic, should Gavi reconsider its eligibility and graduation criteria?
8. The government has drawn attention to the benefits of investing in Gavi for the UK and its industry, as well as the benefits to people in developing countries, and clearly there are win-wins. But are there any potential trade-offs if donor country immediate interests are placed more to the fore?