Today, we celebrate a major milestone in Canada's commitment to global health: a new pledge of $675 million over the next five years (2026-2030) to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. This funding will directly impact the lives of millions of children, women and girls around the world by fostering more equitable access to lifesaving vaccines and preventing deadly diseases.
The announcement was celebrated at an event attended by Deputy Minister of International Development Christopher MacLennan ahead of International Women’s Day, organized by Results Canada, in partnership with CanWaCH, ONE, and Global Citizen. Our dedicated volunteers from Toronto had the opportunity to join the celebration alongside representatives from Gavi, countries that will benefit from this investment, and civil society.
"Canada remains firmly committed to investing in international assistance, because there’s clear evidence that it’s the right thing to do, and the smart thing to do, to build a healthier and more prosperous future for the next generation."
- Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development – March 7, 2025 press release
Canada’s commitment comes at a critical time when we’ve seen countries making drastic cuts to their international assistance, that are jeopardizing decades of progress in child survival and the fight against extreme poverty. These reductions threaten the health and well-being of the world’s most marginalized populations.
“Today, we are deeply grateful to Canada, and to Canadians, for their commitment to Gavi’s next 5-year strategic period. This vital support builds on many years of partnership, and as we look forward this investment will ensure that hard-won gains are preserved, global vaccine stockpiles keep the world safe, the most impactful vaccines continue to be accessible around the world, and that vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls, are given the opportunity to thrive.”
- Dr. Sania Nishtar, Gavi CEO – March 7, 2025 press release
We are proud to see Canada stepping up to reaffirm its leadership and taking a firm stand on the importance of solidarity to protect people everywhere. Diseases do not recognize borders, as the recent outbreak of measles in Canada and the U.S. has reminded us – no one is safe until everyone is safe. By taking this step, Canada is not only supporting global health but also demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of people here at home.
This achievement would not have been possible without the relentless advocacy of Results Canada’s volunteers. Since July 2024, our volunteer advocates have worked tirelessly – writing letters and emails to Members of Parliament, meeting with decision-makers, publishing letters to the editor, and even sharing personal testimonies about how immunization has shaped their lives.
“We in Canada stick to our commitments, we in Canada help our neighbours here at home and abroad. We in Canada value being in service of others, not solely for the benefit of our own, but for the benefit of the greater good. And, this is evident through the announcement today that will help save millions of lives – we’ve shown that Canada cares, Canadians care, and we will continue to care and continue to fight”
- Results Canada volunteer advocate Maria Alejandra Guardado – speaking at the event in Toronto.
Over the last few weeks, challenges such as the Parliament being prorogued, an election in Canada, and the political instability around the world, have made our advocacy more challenging. But our volunteer advocates, like Maria, didn’t let these obstacles discourage them. It’s thanks to their unwavering commitment that Canada remains a global leader in health and vaccine equity today.
Canada has a long-standing history of investing in immunization. With Canada's support, Gavi has made it possible for 1 billion children to receive essential vaccines since 2002, which saved over 17 million lives. Last June, Canada also became one of the first contributors to the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) by investing $85 million in this new initiative. This commitment will help Africa make more of its own vaccines, reducing the continent’s dependence on other regions and preventing unfair access to vaccines like we saw during COVID-19.
With this latest commitment, Canada continues its legacy as a global health leader, ensuring that the world’s most marginalized populations – particularly zero-dose and under-immunized children – receive the protection they need.
This new funding will support Gavi’s objectives to:
Today, a child born in a country supported by Gavi’s immunization programs is 70% less likely to die from a vaccine-preventable disease than two decades ago. Canada’s commitment will further reduce these risks and help ensure that every child, regardless of where they are born, has access to lifesaving vaccines.
This announcement is the result of months of passionate advocacy, driven by the unwavering dedication of Results Canada’s volunteers and partners, both in Canada and around the world. It’s a powerful reminder that when we lend our voices and stand united, we can create meaningful change that shapes the future for the better. Because #TogetherWeLead. Thank you!
UPDATE: Following the announcement of this transformative investment, we had the opportunity to sit down with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The global fight for equitable access to lifesaving vaccines is one of the most important causes of our time and one deeply threatened by the cuts to international assistance globally. Thank you for showing us that Canada will not turn its back on the world.
