The board of Gavi, a public-private vaccine alliance with the vision to aid vaccination of children around the world, has approved $189 million to support Africa’s vaccine manufacturing, setting a target to reach 500 million children and prevent eight to nine million deaths.

A statement by Gavi after a two-day meeting concluded on Thursday highlighted decisions that will shape the implementation of its new 2026-2030 strategy (Gavi 6.0).

Gavi said an additional $189 million in support was approved for sustainable African vaccine manufacturing, enhancing supply resilience and health security.

Gavi’s board agreed to maintain the ambition to reach 500 million more children, prevent an additional eight to nine million deaths, support a further 10% reduction in under-five mortality, and unlock more than $100 billion in economic benefits.

Helen Clark, the chair of the Gavi board, said the world must prioritise vaccines for global healthcare security.

“The achievements of the past five years show what is possible with sustained financial and political commitment to immunisation,” Ms Clark said. “They also inspire us to tackle the difficult challenges that lie ahead: building resilience in the face of an increasing risk of outbreaks and pandemics and dismantling the systemic barriers that have prevented us from reaching the most vulnerable.”

She added, “In this context, the world must continue to prioritise vaccines as one of the most cost-effective investments we can make towards our health, security and prosperity.”

According to the statement, a number of measures were also passed that will strengthen country ownership of immunisation programmes, including new policies on country vaccine budgets and co-financing for preventive vaccination campaigns, both of which have been tailored to provide the highest levels of support for countries and contexts with the greatest need.

Gavi’s CEO, Sania Nishtar, said, “Through the Gavi Leap, we placed country ownership and support for the most vulnerable at the heart of our operating model, and this week’s board’s decisions reaffirm this commitment.

“I am especially pleased that, going forward, our immunisation campaigns will mandate digital payments for health workers. From my experience as a minister, I know this will make a huge difference in terms of eliminating misuse and ensuring workers are paid fairly, and on time.”