“Immunization has been a great public health success story. The lives of millions of children have been saved, millions have the chance of a longer healthier life, a greater chance to learn, to play, to read and write, to move around freely without suffering.’’ - Nelson Mandela, advocate, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, former President of South Africa and former chair of Gavi
A few years ago, Hauwa Ibrahim‘s second child nearly died because essential vaccines were out of reach. Hauwa wanted to vaccinate her baby, but the clinic was 22 kilometres away from her home in Kwamarawa, Nigeria – too far and too expensive to access. Worse, heavy floods had made the road inaccessible. Without protection, her child contracted measles and had severe malnutrition. Fortunately, the child survived, but Hauwa’s story is a stark reminder of what’s at stake for millions of children, who go without lifesaving shots.
Hauwa’s experience mirrors that of millions of zero-dose children, who often live in isolated, underserved areas or are affected by conflict or climate change. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, was created in 2000 to address these inequities and has already helped vaccinate more than half the world's children, reducing vaccine-preventable deaths by 70% in partner countries.
But vaccines are more than a tool for disease prevention – they are foundational to ensuring that children grow up healthy, educated, and able to contribute to their communities.
The ask: We call on Canada to invest #ForOurFuture by ensuring that life-saving vaccines #ReachEveryChild. Canada must support the scale-up of existing vaccines and the access to new, exciting innovations by making a pledge of at least CAD$ 720 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s 2026-2030 Strategy.
the ripple effect of vaccines on sustainable development
reducing poverty
Vaccines reduce treatment costs and prevent disability and death.
They also have a positive impact on productivity and economic vitality.
protecting communities
Immunization is key to people’s fundamental right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable physical and mental health.
Vaccines protect entire communities, especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
As the vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) shows, immunization can even prevent some cancers.
reinforcing health systems
As a relatively low-cost intervention, vaccine delivery is often the first opportunity for communities to access health services, information, and professionals.
Vaccines foster gender equality by improving health for all.
mitigating the impact of climate and malnutrition crises
Vaccines protect against climate-sensitive diseases, like malaria.
They also protect children who suffer from malnutrition and face a higher risk of dying from diseases.
A new pledge from Canada to Gavi would be life-saving and life-changing for families like Hauwa’s. Gavi not only reaches zero-dose children, but also helps build stronger communities by supporting 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By funding Gavi’s 2026-2030 strategy, Canada can help ensure that more children receive the protection they need to thrive and accelerate global efforts to achieve the SDGs by the 2030 deadline.
Every November 20th, the world marks Universal Children’s Day, a moment to reflect on our shared responsibility toward children’s rights and well-being. On this day, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. These texts were revolutionary because they recognized that governments have a special duty to safeguard children’s futures. But in 2024, we can't claim to have fully honoured these promises. There’s work that remains.
1 in 5 children still don’t have access to the vaccines necessary to protect them against the world’s deadliest diseases, and at least 468 million live in conflict zones – double the number since the Convention was adopted. In Gaza alone, 11,000 children have been killed in just one year, marking the deadliest conflict for children in the last two decades.
Beyond direct violence, the indirect effects of conflict are devastating. Palestine is now seeing the highest rates of child malnutrition globally, with vaccine-preventable diseases quickly spreading. In Sudan, 19 million children are now out of school, 3.7 million are acutely malnourished, and an entire generation is threatened by human rights violations.
Children represent our collective future, but the shape of this future depends on the possibilities we offer them now. The SDGs are the best roadmap we have for fulfilling this promise, but we can't achieve these objectives without sufficiently funding proven life-saving initiatives like Gavi.
the impact of Canadian investment in Gavi
By pledging at least CAD$ 720 million to Gavi, Canada will help:
Vaccinate 500 million children, including those living in isolated, fragile, and conflict-affected countries.
Prevent 9 million deaths through access to routine and new vaccines.
Provide access to new malaria, dengue, and tuberculosis vaccines and help eliminate two of the world’s greatest infectious disease killers.
Save 1.5 million lives by 2030 by increasing access to HPV vaccines.
Support breastfeeding and supplements like vitamin A and iron that are provided at the vaccination point to improve the baby’s response to vaccines.
With a clinic now closer to home, Hauwa promised herself that her eight children would benefit from their routine vaccines. However, many geographical and financial barriers still hinder her efforts. By pledging to Gavi, Canada can help break down these barriers, ensuring that families like Hauwa’s can access immunization and other healthcare services without suffering, unlocking the transformative potential of vaccines for healthier futures.
The ask: We call on Canada to invest #ForOurFuture by ensuring that life-saving vaccines #ReachEveryChild. Canada must support the scale-up of existing vaccines and the access to new, exciting innovations by making a pledge of at least CAD$ 720 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s 2026-2030 Strategy.
latest campaign news
#ForOurFuture:
Since July, Results Canada’s volunteers have been calling on Canada to support global efforts to eradicate polio by committing CAD$ 150 million per year to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative over the next three years. We are thrilled that Canada heard our call! On September 20th, Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen reaffirmed Canada's commitment to eradicating polio, announcing $ 151 million — that's $1 million more than our ask! Thank you to all of you who advocated for this! Read more here.
Canada recently announced that it would make available up to 200,000 doses of vaccines to support the global response to the mpox outbreak. While we welcome this, we will continue our call for Canada to show true global solidarity and ensure Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has the funding, vaccines, diagnostics, and medicines needed to control this outbreak. Read our statement here, which includes how mechanisms like Gavi are stepping up.
story
Schools are a key space for health education and access to health services, such as immunization. In Zanzibar, cancer survivors have joined an initiative to support HPV vaccination campaigns in schools, aiming to protect young girls from cervical cancer.
Ruzuna Abdurahim Mohammed, In-Charge of Advocacy in Maternal and Child Health at Kidongo Chekundu Mental Hospital in Zanzibar, demonstrates the tools she used during the project. Credit: Syriacu Buguzi
Infectious diseases and malnutrition are among the main causes of child mortality. Worse, they often intertwine and reinforce each other's consequences. But when we address both at once, we can break this cycle.
test your knowledge!
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November 7: Action Kick-Off November 11-24: COP29 November 18-20: G20 November 18-24: World Antimicrobial Awareness Week November 20: Universal Children's Day Check out our full key dates calendar
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For Our Future Reach Every Child Vaccines HPV Malaria Zero-dose children Polio Immunization Nutrition
Since July, you've been calling on Canada to support global efforts to eradicate polio by committing CAD$ 150 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Canada heard your call! On September 20th, Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen announced $151 MILLION to support GPEI's efforts. Together, we made this happen! But the work's not over. Let's keep up the momentum and get that Gavi pledge too 👇
“Immunization and gender equality are connected in powerful ways. Increasing access to immunization and health care empowers women and girls while creating a more equitable world for all.”
- Hon. Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, Canada
When 14-year-old Damilola John from Lagos received her vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV), she knew she had secured a shot at life – something many of her friends missed out on. Damilola’s message is clear: “Let your daughters get the vaccine, so we can have a future free of cervical cancer.”
HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer, which is a leading cause of cancer-related death among women in low- and middle-income countries, where access to screening and treatment services is limited. Damilola’s appeal isn’t just about saving her friends – who are among 500,000 girls in Nigeria who remain unvaccinated against HPV – it’s a call to use the vaccines as a tool to break the cycle of poverty and gender inequality.
The ask: We call on Canada to invest #ForOurFuture by ensuring that life-saving vaccines #ReachEveryChild. Canada must support the scale-up of existing vaccines and the access to new, exciting innovations by making a pledge of at least $CAD 720 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s 2026-2030 Strategy.
HPV vaccination, like other vaccines, not only protects girls from a significant health threat but also supports their education and economic opportunities. Healthy children are more likely to attend school and become productive members of society, while their families avoid crushing healthcare costs. By breaking down barriers and ensuring equal access to health protection, HPV vaccination empowers girls and improves their life prospects.
common gender-related barriers to vaccination
lack of information: Caregivers of children, especially women, may not have adequate information or awareness about the benefits of vaccination.
household responsibilities: Traditional divisions of labour within the household can limit fathers' involvement in childcare, including taking children for vaccinations.
financial barriers: Caregivers from low-income households or women without access to household funds may struggle to afford indirect vaccination costs, such as transportation.
cultural and religious restrictions: In some communities, religious or cultural practices may prevent female caregivers from seeking immunization services from male healthcare workers.
mobility challenges: Long distances to health clinics can be a significant barrier for women, particularly young mothers, due to concerns about safety and mobility.
healthcare accessibility: Long wait times and clinics that operate only during working hours may conflict with caregivers' responsibilities or income-generating activities.
negative provider attitudes: Some caregivers may be discouraged from returning to complete their child's vaccination schedule due to negative experiences or attitudes from healthcare providers.
Initiatives like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance are crucial in breaking down these barriers and making a future without cervical cancer a reality. By making HPV vaccines and other vaccines affordable and accessible in the world's poorest countries and by supporting national immunization programs, Gavi helps millions of girls avoid deadly diseases, address health disparities, and advance health outcomes, fostering healthier and more equitable communities.
Gavi’s role in expanding vaccine access for girls
Preventing gender-specific health issues should begin in childhood. Gavi supports two vaccines that particularly benefit women’s and girls’ health: human papillomavirus (HPV) and rubella.
HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer, having caused around 350,000 deaths in 2022, primarily in low-and middle-income countries.
Cervical cancer is highly preventable with the effective HPV vaccine. For every 1,000 girls vaccinated, almost 18 deaths are prevented, making it one of the most impactful vaccines in Gavi’s portfolio.
For its next strategic period (2026-2030), Gavi will step up efforts to eliminate cervical cancer by vaccinating over 120 million girls against HPV, saving 1.5 million lives.
Gavi will integrate the HPV vaccine into holistic adolescent care, including nutrition and sexual and reproductive health, working with partners like the Global Financing Facility (GFF).
If contracted just before conception and in early pregnancy, rubella can cause miscarriage, fetal death, or congenital defects.
Consistently high vaccination coverage with the rubella vaccine, with support from Gavi, has eliminated rubella in many countries.
Gavi’s Gender Policy highlights the need to address the unique challenges faced by adolescent girls. Through various initiatives, Gavi aims to reach zero-dose and under-immunized communities by dismantling various gender-related barriers, supporting women health workers, and making health services more accessible and safer for women and girls.
vaccines as tools to break the cycle of poverty
Vaccines do more than save lives and close gender-related health gaps – they drive profound economic benefits for families, communities, and entire nations. Over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved nearly 154 million lives – equivalent to six lives every minute. Since Gavi’s launch in 2000, the global under-5 mortality rate has plummeted by 51%, mirroring a dramatic reduction in extreme poverty worldwide by half.
This progress can continue. Studies estimate that between 2016-2030, by using 10 vaccines – many of which are in Gavi’s portfolio – we could prevent 36 million deaths and keep 24 million households from sliding into poverty due to healthcare-related costs. Starting in 2026, Gavi will accelerate its efforts to vaccinate more children against more diseases, faster than ever before, protecting at least 500 million children and saving over 8 million lives. This underscores the vital role of vaccines in fostering healthier, more prosperous communities worldwide and the key role Gavi can play in realizing this vision.
immunization and poverty
Sudden healthcare expenses push about 344 million people deeper into poverty, making medical impoverishment one of the main factors forcing families below the extreme poverty line – defined as living on less than US$2.15 per person per day.
Vaccination in low- and middle-income countries can substantially prevent disease-related hospitalizations, health-related impoverishment, and bring significant financial risk protection to households.
Within countries, greater benefit is expected among the poorest populations who often have higher risks of death, reduced access to effective care, and bear significant economic costs due to disease treatment.
The total predicted number of cases of illness-related poverty averted – 24 million – represents about 9% of people in low-income countries who are already impoverished.
As the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, and climate change have reversed progress on poverty, it's crucial to intensify efforts. Gavi ensures every child has access to lifesaving vaccines, a key driver of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With 1.5 million children still dying annually from preventable diseases, sustained support for Gavi is vital to avoid further setbacks.
This is our moment to act decisively and demonstrate our commitment to the world's children and girls. Canada has a strong track record of advancing gender equality through immunization efforts, in line with its Feminist International Assistance Policy. As a leading contributor to both Gavi and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), Canada has championed gender-focused vaccination strategies, breaking down barriers to reach under-immunized communities.
We celebrate Canada’s recent commitment to the GPEI and urge the government to amplify this impact by making a bold pledge to Gavi, strengthening broader immunization efforts. By doing so, Canada can safeguard millions of children, champion gender equity, and reinforce its leadership in global health. Now is the time for Canada and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to help girls like Damilola secure a shot at life and help build a world free from poverty #ForOurFuture.
The ask: We call on Canada to invest #ForOurFuture by ensuring that life-saving vaccines #ReachEveryChild. Canada must support the scale-up of existing vaccines and the access to new, exciting innovations by making a pledge of at least $CAD 720 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s 2026-2030 Strategy.
latest campaign news
#ForOurFuture:
Since July, Results Canada’s volunteers have been calling on Canada to support global efforts to eradicate polio by committing CAD$ 150 million per year to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative over the next three years. We are thrilled that Canada heard our call! On September 20th, Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen reaffirmed Canada's commitment to eradicating polio, announcing $ 151 million — that's $1 million more than our ask! Thank you to all of you who advocated for this! Read more here.
Canada recently announced that it would make available up to 200,000 doses of vaccines to support the global response to the mpox outbreak. While we welcome this, we will continue our call for Canada to show true global solidarity and ensure Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has the funding, vaccines, diagnostics, and medicines needed to control this outbreak. Read our statement here, which includes how mechanisms like Gavi are stepping up.
story
how one father’s love is helping shield Nigeria’s daughters from cervical cancer
Maina Modu, an immunization officer in Nigeria, has seen the devastating effects of cervical cancer up close – he lost his wife to the disease in 2011. Driven by this personal tragedy, he is now dedicated to protecting not only his daughters but all young girls in his state of Borno from this vaccine-preventable disease. Cervical cancer is the second-most common cancer among Nigerian women – an estimated 12,000 women are diagnosed countrywide each year and almost 8,000 die.
October 3: October Action Kick-Off October 8-10: Global Forum on TB Vaccines October 11: International Day of the Girl Child October 13-15: World Health Summit October 16: World Food Day October 17: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP) October 24: World Polio Day
This September marks 30 years since the Americas – including Canada – were declared polio-free. Canada must build on this legacy and ensure every child, no matter where they live, has access to lifesaving vaccines for preventable diseases #ForOurFuture. We urge Canada to #ReachEveryChild with essential vaccines by making strong pledges to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
We continue to call on Canada to support global immunization efforts #ForOurFuture by making strong pledges to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. In August, we look at the impact of conflict on vaccination rates and how immunization can prevent deaths in times of war. Let’s ensure lifesaving vaccines #ReachEveryChild.
Where you are born shouldn't determine whether you live. Canada can make this vision a reality by supporting global immunization efforts. That’s why, starting in July, we are calling on Canada to invest #ForOurFuture by making strong pledges to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
The current global system is failing children and world leaders are not doing enough. Youth are nearly invisible in positions of power but will live with the consequences of the decisions made today. I June, we called on Canada to commit to listening and meaningfully engaging children and youth at all decision-making tables.
In May, we called on Canada to stand up for children in emergencies at the G7 in Italy in June by unequivocally condemning violence against civilians, reinforcing the need for humanitarian access and protection and recognizing the unique needs and rights of children living in emergencies around the world.
In April, we are calling on Canada to maintain its support for the International Development Association and use its influence at the World Bank to ensure that IDA21 prioritizes human capital investments like health, education and nutrition.
In March, we are calling on Canada to increase its investments in TB R&D and improve the tools available to prevent, diagnose, and treat the world’s deadliest infectious disease – especially in children.
In February, we are calling on the Canadian government to keep its commitment to increase its International Assistance Envelope (IAE) every year and invest CAD$600 million in 2024 to ensure that investments in immunization, nutrition, and education can #ReachEveryChild.
In January, we are calling on the Canadian government to keep its commitment to increase its International Assistance Envelope (IAE) every year and invest CAD$600 million in 2024 to ensure that investments in immunization, nutrition, and education can #ReachEveryChild.
