Gavi CEO Nishtar: Abidjan declaration signifies a new era for immunisation

The Abidjan Declaration, a monumental move by nine African countries opting out of the Gavi vaccine alliance support with a strong commitment towards self-sufficiency and vaccine sovereignty, has set the stage for a new chapter in Africa's vaccine future. Sania Nishtar, the CEO of Gavi, recently discussed the significance of this landmark decision during a television interview with CNBC Africa. The Abidjan declaration signifies a shift towards complete country ownership, responsibility, and leadership in immunisation efforts. Nishtar emphasized that Gavi's success is rooted in empowering countries to take charge of their vaccine operations and gradually graduate from external support. She commended the government of Cote d'Ivoire for spearheading this initiative and rallying nine other peer countries to join forces in advancing immunisation efforts across the continent. The essence of the Abidjan declaration lies in the collective resolve of participating countries to forge ahead with comprehensive ownership of immunisation investments, budgets, and program institutionalisation over the next five to ten years. This strategic roadmap, tailored to each country's transition phase, showcases a deep commitment to the health and well-being of their populations. Nishtar praised the proactive stance taken by these nations and highlighted the pivotal role of strong political will in driving this monumental shift towards self-reliance in healthcare. As countries embark on the journey towards self-sufficiency, Gavi plays a crucial role in providing support and guidance through various mechanisms. Nishtar explained that Gavi assists countries in mobilising resources by offering a financial envelope that covers the cost of vaccines, health system strengthening efforts, and outbreak management. The ongoing fundraising campaign for Gavi's next strategy cycle, 6.0, aims to secure $9 billion from donors to sustain these critical initiatives. Additionally, innovative financing instruments such as IFIM and advanced market commitments enable countries to leverage their contributions and facilitate sustainable healthcare financing. Moreover, Gavi has introduced the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator to stimulate viable vaccine production on the continent, a strategic move towards enhancing vaccine sovereignty and security. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of bolstering local manufacturing capacities and reducing dependence on external suppliers. Nishtar underscored the significance of diverse financing channels and mechanisms to bolster health security and pave the way for long-term sustainability in immunisation programs. In conclusion, the Abidjan Declaration marks a pivotal moment in Africa's healthcare landscape, with a renewed focus on self-reliance, country ownership, and sustainable immunisation practices. As Gavi enters a crucial replenishment year, Nishtar emphasized the importance of donor support and long-term investments in building resilient healthcare systems across the continent. The journey towards vaccine sovereignty and self-sufficiency remains a collective endeavour, underpinned by a shared commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations in Africa.