Vaccines are one of the most effective public health interventions of our time. Diseases like measles, polio, and pneumonia, which were once widespread and often deadly, are now preventable with vaccines.
But vaccination is also key to gender equality. And Canada needs to step up to ensure women and girls around the world have equitable access to vaccines.
When 14-year-old Damilola John from Lagos, Nigeria, received her human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, she knew she was protecting her future—a future free from cervical cancer. Her call to action resonates across borders: “Let your daughters get the vaccine, so we can have a future free of disease.”
For girls like Damilola, staying healthy means staying in school, avoiding early marriage, and having the chance to pursue their dreams. Vaccines empower girls by removing health-related barriers that limit their future opportunities.
The obstacles girls and women around the world still face in accessing vaccines include:
Initiatives like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance are working to break down these barriers. Gavi’s programs not only provide affordable vaccines but also address the gender-specific challenges that prevent girls from receiving them. By supporting national immunization programs, Gavi helps millions of children, especially girls, access life-saving vaccines and a brighter future.
Since the launch of Gavi in 2000, vaccination programs have led to a 51% drop in the global under-five mortality rate and a dramatic reduction in extreme poverty. Starting in 2026, Gavi aims to accelerate its efforts to vaccinate more children, faster than ever before, protecting at least 500 million children and saving over 8 million lives. This means more girls can attend school, grow into healthy adults, and contribute to their communities. The ripple effect of immunization is profound.
Canada has been a longstanding advocate for global health and gender equality has helped make vaccines accessible to girls in some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable communities. Our legacy includes:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Canadian government have been leaders in global health. Now, we call on them to do so again. By pledging at least $720 million to Gavi’s 2026-2030 Strategy, Canada can help build a world where every girl has the chance to grow up healthy, safe, and free from poverty.
This is a pivotal moment for Canada to strengthen its commitment to global health. 1.5 million children still die every year from preventable diseases, and the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed much of the progress made in recent years. We have a unique opportunity to make a bold impact by investing in vaccines that will not only save lives but also advance gender equity and economic stability.
Together, we can secure a shot at life for girls like Damilola around the world. Let’s make this vision a reality #ForOurFuture.