The Canadian Network for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health welcomes today’s announcement by the Canadian government of and new commitment of $500 million providing vaccines through GAVI. A global vaccine alliance, GAVI brings together public and private sectors to create equal access to vaccines that save lives of children in the world’s poorest countries. Today’s announcement is an increase of 41 per cent over Canada’s previous contribution from 2011 to 2015. With this strengthened resolve, The Canadian Network urges GAVI to target the most vulnerable children in the world.
Immunizations prevent childhood infectious diseases, and save the lives of countless children around the world. Today 6.3 million children still die before their fifth birthday from preventable causes like tetanus, diarrhea, pneumonia, measles and polio, especially newborns in their first month of life. Canadians have shown incredible leadership in this essential area of global health that is proven to be one of the most effective and cost-effective interventions. Canadians have already ensured that 5.8 million children worldwide have received life-saving vaccinations against leading diseases. Read more about this landmark announcement here.
