Washington, DC  Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks, together with Rep. Adam Schiff, sent a letter to President Biden urging him to make a robust multi-year pledge to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to advance global health campaigns around the world. Gavi’s routine child immunization programs have vaccinated more than one billion children in 78 countries, preventing more than 17 million child deaths.

Read the full letter here and excerpts below: 

“As you know, U.S. support for Gavi has for decades had strong bipartisan support. In 2014, we were proud to support President Obama in his historic $1 billion pledge to Gavi. Congress also helped lead the way in securing additional increases in funding for Gavi under the Trump Administration. We are eager to support your administration and are encouraged by your commitment to make a multi-year pledge in support of this year’s replenishment, which we hope will be no less than $1.4 billion over the next four years. With the United States continued leadership, we can support Gavi’s efforts to improve vaccine equity, including the launch of Gavi and Africa CDC’s innovative African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, and roll out the new malaria vaccine. We are proud to support your efforts advancing the delivery of this pledge.  

“As Gavi plans to roll out its next five-year phase of work, Congress stands ready to work with your Administration to increase U.S. leadership and support for Gavi.” 

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