In a significant boost to global health security, Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to support the world's children against infectious diseases through vaccination efforts. The pledge, announced on June 25, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium, will provide $675 million over the next five years (2026-2030) to Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, a critical partner in the fight against life-threatening diseases.
Gavi's work has far-reaching implications for global economic growth and health security, projected to create more than $100 billion in economic benefits for supported countries over the next five years. Canada's support will help Gavi provide life-saving vaccines to at least 500 million more children, preventing over 8 million deaths, protecting the world against future pandemics and disease outbreaks, and strengthening health systems and global health security.
"The health challenges facing our world are not getting simpler," said Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development). "No child, anywhere, should die from a disease that immunization can prevent. Our support to Gavi will help deliver on Canada's commitment to improve economic growth, advance global security and stand up for Canadian values such as compassion and solidarity as we strive for a better future for all."
This renewed commitment builds on Canada's long-standing investment in vaccination programs and global health systems, which has totalled over $1.75 billion since 2015. Gavi has provided life-saving vaccines to more than 1.1 billion children in 78 lower-income countries, preventing more than 18.8 million deaths.
On the sidelines of the conference, Secretary Sarai met with key leaders in global health, including representatives from implementing countries and heads of major organizations. These included Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, Catherine Russell, UNICEF's Executive Director, Dr. Mekdes Daba, Ethiopia's Minister of Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria's Minister of Health, and Bill Gates.
Canada's support will also help to roll out the groundbreaking new malaria vaccine, as well as practical, climate-smart solutions, such as installing more than 20,000 solar-powered fridges and freezers to ensure life-saving doses stay cold in remote areas. These efforts are critical to strengthening health systems and global health security.
The pledge represents a significant step forward in Canada's commitment to improving economic growth, advancing global security, and standing up for Canadian values such as compassion and solidarity. As Secretary Sarai underscored, "No child, anywhere, should die from a disease that immunization can prevent." With this renewed commitment, Canada is joining forces with Gavi and other partners to make vaccines more accessible and deliver on the promise of a healthier future for all.
Quick Facts:
Over 500 million children will benefit from Canada's support
$675 million pledged over the next five years (2026-2030)
Projected economic benefits: over $100 billion for supported countries
Gavi has provided life-saving vaccines to more than 1.1 billion children in 78 lower-income countries, preventing over 18.8 million deaths