Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has proposed providing significant vaccine support and cash grants to Nepal for the strategic cooperation period spanning from 2027 to 2030.
The proposal was tabled on Friday during a high-level meeting between the Government of Nepal and a visiting Gavi delegation to discuss future collaboration. The discussions were led by Minister for Health and Food Hygiene Nisha Mehta and Nilgun Aydogan, Senior Manager at Gavi.
Key financial details of the proposal
As part of the new framework, Gavi has proposed a substantial assistance package for Nepal. This comprehensive support includes providing $39.6 million (USD) worth of essential vaccines, alongside a direct cash grant amounting to $18.06 million (USD) to further bolster the country’s public health initiatives.
Under this proposed collaboration, the Government of Nepal is also expected to share in the funding responsibilities. According to the Ministry of Health, Nepal will need to contribute a co-financial investment of $17.1 million (USD) to support and sustain the framework over the designated four-year period.
The meeting primarily focused on the upcoming four-year vaccine support plan, co-financial investments, and ensuring the financial sustainability of the program.
Long-standing partnership
Nepal and Gavi’s partnership dates back to 2001. Over the past 25 years, Gavi has invested over $550 million in Nepal, supporting the nation with vaccines, cold-chain infrastructure, and health system strengthening.
Currently, out of the 11 vaccines administered through Nepal’s National Immunization Program, Gavi co-invests in five and provides one type of vaccine completely free of charge. Gavi’s continuous support extends to both routine immunizations and various vaccination campaigns managed by the Family Welfare Division.
Ensuring program sustainability
Discussions during the meeting also addressed maintaining the long-term sustainability of Nepal’s national immunization program amidst a global decline in development aid and financial resources.
Gavi representatives commended Minister Mehta’s leadership in the national immunization sector and praised Nepal’s progress in vaccination coverage, reaffirming their commitment to ongoing support.
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