UNICEF UK responds to UK Government announcement at GAVI global summit

Dr Philip Goodwin, Chief Executive Officer for the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), said: “This pledge from the UK Government will bring Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, closer to its ambitious goal of reaching another 500 million children worldwide with critical vaccines and vitally, saving another nine million lives by 2030. This investment shows the UK’s ongoing commitment to global partnerships that protect children around the world from preventable disease.

“However, cuts to the aid budget still pose a grave threat to children. We urge the UK Government to maximise this Gavi commitment by also funding other critical health services that make immunisation fully effective. That includes nutrition and primary health care which children need to survive and thrive. Committing at least 25% of the UK aid budget to children will support the full range of services needed to ensure children grown up healthy and happy.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Gavi is one of the most successful development initiatives in history, immunising over 1 billion children in 78 lower-income countries since the year 2000. This work has helped to reduce vaccine-preventable child deaths by 70% in Gavi-supported lower-income countries and avert 17.3 million future deaths. Today, in partnership with UNICEF, Gavi reaches half the world’s children with life-saving vaccines.

For more information please contact the UNICEF UK media team on 0207 375 6030 [email protected] 

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.

United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).

For more information visit unicef.org.uk. Follow UNICEF UK on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.