By: Maha El Bchiri (Results fellow)
Imagine a world where a child's birthplace does not determine their chances of survival. Thanks to immunization, this vision is becoming a reality. Over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved nearly 154 million lives worldwide – that's six lives every minute, according to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
In our interconnected world, investing in global public health goes beyond moral duty, it's a smart move that protects our future, improves our health, and boosts prosperity worldwide. Take for example, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). The impact of these initiatives is considerable. Gavi has immunized over one billion children, preventing more than 17 million deaths. GPEI has reduced polio cases by 99.9% since 1988, saving countless children from paralysis. Behind these numbers are real lives transformed, communities strengthened, and a healthier global future.
However, challenges persist. Despite recent successes, more than 14 million infants remain unvaccinated each year, and another 6 million miss routine vaccinations. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the situation, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. That's why Canada's support is more important than ever.
Gavi and GPEI do more than provide vaccines. They strengthen health systems in less privileged countries. By investing in digital health infrastructure, they improve vaccination tracking and early outbreak detection, enhancing global health resilience. This work creates a global shield, protecting populations worldwide, including Canadians.
Supporting global health is not only ethical, it's also economically wise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccination is one of the most impactful and cost-effective public health interventions, preventing more than 4 million deaths each year. Vaccinations generate significant returns by promoting a healthier and more productive global population, contributing to robust economic growth and stronger international markets – essential for Canada's prosperity.
The economic impact is striking: for every dollar invested in vaccination, we get back $44 (US$) in benefits (social and economic). This includes savings on medical expenses, productivity gains, and educational advantages. When more people are healthy, economies strengthen, which is beneficial for everyone, including Canadians.
Canada is already leading by example. We have pledged $85 million to the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA). This commitment underscores our dedication to fostering sustainable and equitable health solutions globally. We must now build on this momentum.
I add my voice to the growing call for action: Canada must invest in our collective future by ensuring that vital vaccines reach every child. This is a call for the Canadian government to commit at least CA$720 million to Gavi's 2026-2030 Strategy and to allocate CA$50 million annually to GPEI over the next three years. This investment will help reach an additional 500 million children with routine vaccination, prevent 1.5 million deaths from cervical cancer, support malaria vaccination for 50 million children, and better prepare the world for future health challenges.
We can help create a healthier and fairer world. By supporting Gavi and GPEI, we affirm our values and work towards a better future for all, where every child, no matter where they are born, has access to life-saving vaccines. The health of the world's children – and our own future – depends on it.
Volunteer Voices articles are penned by Results Canada volunteers, fellows, and staff. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Results Canada. Click here for more Volunteer Voices articles and learn how you can submit your letter to the editor (LTE) or op-ed.
