Taoiseach Micheál Martin has pledged €21.6 million in Irish funding to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, a 20% increase in its contribution for the 2026–2030 period.
The announcement was made as the Taoiseach joined world leaders at the Global Summit for Health and Prosperity through Immunization, held in Brussels last week.
The global summit, co-hosted by the European Union and the Gates Foundation, aimed to raise at least $9 billion to support Gavi’s work to provide equitable access to vaccines, immunizing the world’s poorest children and advancing global health security.
“Vaccines have utterly transformed health outcomes across the world. Evidence from the World Health Organisation shows that vaccination is one of the best health investments that money can buy and one of the most impactful tools that we have available to us. My announcement today of a further €21.6 million, a 20% increase in our funding for Gavi, demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to the transformative use of vaccines," said the Taoiseach, during the announcement on Wednesday, June 25.
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Highlighting Ireland’s commitment to Official Development Assistance, Tánaiste Simon Harris added:
“The work of Irish Aid is guided by the principle of reaching the furthest behind first. At a time of so many global challenges, Ireland is proud to increase its support to the vital work of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. This support from Ireland will help keep people safe and healthy, protecting them from diseases and illnesses that continue to cost too many lives.”
Over the 2026-2030 period, Gavi aims to immunize a further 500 million children, save over 8 million lives and protect against up to 150 disease outbreaks.
In advance of the summit, the Taoiseach met with Chair of the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, to discuss a shared commitment to development cooperation and alignment of priorities on gender equality, agriculture, nutrition and global health, including vaccinations.
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