GAVI Alliance delivers on its promise to tackle diarrhea and pneumonia

The GAVI Alliance announced this week that it will provide funding for 16 more developing countries to introduce rotavirus vaccines and 18 more countries to introduce pneumococcal vaccines - a major step towards protecting children against severe diarrhea and pneumonia - the two leading child killers. The roll out of rotavirus vaccines across the African continent has already begun in Sudan, and the latest announcement confirms funding for 12 more African countries to follow suit.

“Thanks to our donors and partners, the GAVI Alliance is now delivering on its promise to protect more children across the developing world against rotavirus, pneumococcal disease and other life-threatening yet preventable diseases,” said GAVI chief executive Seth Berkley, adding: “The death toll of rotavirus and pneumococcal infections in Africa is particularly devastating, and this is where these vaccines will make the most significant impact, not only in lives saved, but also in terms of healthy lives lived. Immunisation enables good health and healthy people are more productive and ultimately fuel economic growth.”

The announcement comes as GAVI experienced a surge in applications for vaccine funding. Of the 37 countries approved, 24 are in Africa. As part of the funding, the World Health Organization will provide support for the implementation of the vaccine programs, including surveillance and training.