Letter to Støre and Aukrust: Make an early promise to Gavi
We urge the government to ensure that Norway makes an early pledge of binding support for Gavi at the same level as before.
Ki-generated illustration from Sora
Main moments
Dear Jonas and Åsmund,
A number of media outlets are reporting that the United States will cut its entire support for the vaccine alliance Gavi, which since 2000 has vaccinated more than a billion children globally. This creates a serious risk for the most vulnerable children in the world, and Norway must now take responsibility.
Sudden budget cuts create great uncertainty, and Gavi is anxiously awaiting how other donor countries will respond. Norway has a unique opportunity to show leadership by providing a early and large promise of new contributions before Gavi's replenishment conference in June. Early advertising could help mobilize increased support from other countries, and at the same time show support for global cooperation and solidarity even as Trump goes a different path.
Vaccination is one of the most effective tools we have for saving lives. At the same time, support for vaccine programs helps strengthen health systems in poor countries. With significant Norwegian support, Gavi has saved more than 17 million lives. Gavi has helped reduce child mortality, fight infectious diseases and strengthen global health security.
If funding is cut, this vital work weakens. With full funding, Gavi plans to vaccinate over 500 million children against deadly diseases in the years ahead. More than 50 million children are to receive the new malaria vaccine that is finally ready after decades of research.
We therefore call on the government to ensure that Norway makes an early pledge of binding support for Gavi at the same level as before. This isn't just an investment in the lives and health of children -- it's an investment in a safer and more stable world. It is also good for us in Norway.
Norway can and should take leadership now.
Sincerely
Henriette Westhrin, general secretary of Save the Children
Arne Næss-Holm, Acting Secretary General of the Church's Emergency Services
Maria Greenberg Bergheim, Secretary General of UNICEF Norway
Eirik Mofoss, General Manager Long Term
