The agreement was signed by Dr Arvind Mayaram, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of India and Mr Seth Berkley, CEO, GAVI on behalf of the Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization (GAVI) to facilitate contribution of Government of India to GAVI.
As per the terms of agreement, the Government of India has decided to contribute to GAVI @ US$ one million per year for the four years from 2013-14 to 2016-17 (i.e. during 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17).
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mayaram, Secretary, DEA said that India has a tradition of reaching-out to needy and lending support to various activities carried out by different agencies/government.
He said that India is giving aid internationally through loans and grants. Dr Mayaram said that it is expected that this effort of the Government of India will place it as an important leading player, towards global commitment for vaccination and immunization in particular, and health of children in general.
India supports multi-lateral institutions such as the GFATM and now GAVI in the health sector. The GAVI Alliance (formerly the “Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation”), a public-private global health partnership committed to increasing access to immunisation in poor countries, was launched on January 29, 2000.
GAVI is doing work in India – including GAVI’s role in the pentavalent national roll-out. GAVI has an HSS grant to India (USD 107m).
It is famous as an innovative health PPP namely ‘The Vaccine Bonds Programme (IFFI) and Matching Fund’ that encourages corporate sector to commit resources. India is committed to tackling the Millennium Goal to save children’s lives.
In this direction, the Government of India has decided to contribute 1 million USD each year (for 4 yrs) to GAVI Alliance, impressed at the achievements of GAVI – 440 million children immunized globally and 6m lives saved.
