The UK is on the brink of slashing its contributions to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi), a critical group responsible for vaccinating over a billion children in developing countries.
This decision comes amidst widespread concern, particularly as it follows closely on the heels of Donald Trump’s move to effectively dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), thereby curtailing much of its vaccination initiatives.
Historically, the UK has been one of the most substantial contributors to Gavi, donating more than £2bn to the Geneva-based organisation over the past four years.
However, with the UK’s aid budget reduced from 0.7% to 0.5% of GDP, and a significant portion of the remaining funds redirected to domestic asylum support costs, there is an anticipated severe cut in funding for Gavi.
Despite previous Conservative government efforts to supplement aid budgets affected by domestic spending, the current outlook suggests a scaling back of support for Gavi.
The International Development Minister, Anneliese Dodds, hinted at this future during a parliamentary inquiry last week, suggesting that Gavi’s funding from the next fiscal year would hinge on the government’s broader spending review. Dodds also mentioned efforts to “broaden the donor base” for the alliance.
While the expected cutback is significant, UK officials also highlighted ongoing major aid contributions, such as the recent pledge of nearly £2bn to the International Development Association, a World Bank fund aiding the world’s poorest countries.
Aid organisations and advocates are particularly vocal about the potential impacts of reduced funding for Gavi.
The organisation not only focuses on critical UK aid goals, such as ending gender disparities and promoting self-sufficiency in developing countries, but has also demonstrated significant cost-effectiveness. Over its 25-year operation, Gavi has vaccinated over 1.1 billion children in 78 countries, preventing nearly 18 million deaths.
Kitty Arie, CEO of Results UK, expressed pride in the UK’s pivotal role in Gavi’s achievements and warned that reducing funding could lead to significant loss of life.
Similarly, Katie Husselby, director of Action for Global Health, stressed the broader global health challenges posed by recent US policy shifts and emphasized the importance of considering the UK’s decision in this challenging international context.
Monica Harding, the Liberal Democrats’ spokesperson on international development, also remarked on the UK’s longstanding leadership in global child immunisation efforts, urging continued commitment to supporting the world’s most vulnerable populations, especially in times of escalating global conflicts and crises.
The debate continues as the international community watches closely, hoping the UK’s fiscal decisions will ultimately align with its historically strong humanitarian stance in global health.
