Singapore Commits US$1 Million to Gavi for Global Vaccine Equity

On June 26, 2025, Singapore announced its pledge of US$1 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing global health and promoting vaccine equity. This initiative was confirmed by the Ministry of Health (MOH), which emphasized the necessity of vaccines in disease prevention and the alarming number of individuals lacking access to vital immunizations worldwide.

In a statement, the MOH remarked, "Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in preventing diseases and saving lives. However, millions of people around the world still lack access to essential vaccines." Gavi's mission is to bridge these gaps by collaborating with governments, international organizations, and private sector partners to deliver vaccines to underserved populations. The organization also plays a critical role in pandemic preparedness, improving immunization systems, and ensuring equitable access to vaccines during health emergencies.

As part of its broader funding strategy, Gavi is aiming to secure US$9 billion of a total requirement of US$11.9 billion for its operations from 2026 to 2030. At a recent summit in Brussels, Gavi's Chief Executive, Dr. Sania Nishtar, reported that the organization had already received pledges exceeding US$9 million from an unprecedented number of donors, which will enable the immunization of 500 million children over the next five years.

Gavi is currently addressing significant global health challenges, including a resurgence of measles and cholera outbreaks in regions such as Sudan, South Sudan, and Angola, as well as the mpox outbreak in Sierra Leone. In her address, Dr. Nishtar highlighted Gavi's critical role in combating these public health emergencies and underscored the importance of global solidarity in vaccination efforts.

During the summit, Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung praised Gavi's pivotal contributions to the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, referring to the organization's achievements as a "monumental demonstration of solidarity and the importance of investing in global health infrastructure." However, he also acknowledged the criticisms Gavi has faced regarding its efficacy in addressing vaccine inequities between nations.

"Sometimes it is not easy to be on the side of good. It takes courage and a strong sense of mission and purpose. Gavi has done this, and it deserves our strong support," Mr. Ong articulated, emphasizing the complexity of global health initiatives.

Singapore has a history of supporting Gavi, having first joined as a donor in 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis, when it contributed US$5 million to the Advance Market Commitment. This mechanism was designed to ensure that lower-income countries had access to COVID-19 vaccines.

The importance of Gavi's work is underscored by the potential consequences of reduced funding. For instance, the Trump administration's previous intention to cut approximately US$300 million in funding for Gavi could have resulted in over a million preventable deaths, as warned by Dr. Nishtar.

As the global health landscape continues to evolve, Singapore's commitment to Gavi underscores the necessity of international cooperation in addressing vaccine disparities and enhancing healthcare access in vulnerable communities worldwide. The implications of such contributions are profound, as they not only support immediate vaccination efforts but also lay the groundwork for sustainable health initiatives in the future.