Sánchez announces 50-million euro contribution to support vaccination of children in developing countries

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

This support will allow projects to be developed under this public-private partnership, which seeks to guarantee that children receive all the vaccines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) on a global scale.

Pedro Sánchez stressed that, "Today, we are more aware than ever of our vulnerability to an unknown virus, such as COVID-19. Discovering a vaccine to tackle this is pressing, and making is accessible and affordable for everyone is fundamental. Because the health of mankind is also interdependent and globalised".

Spain is particularly involved with the Sustainable Development Goals that advocate Universal Health Cover. In this regard, the Government of Spain has taken on the responsibility of jointly heading up the creation of the "ACT Accelerator", which is key for ensuring that vaccines reach developing countries. Since it was set up in 2000, Gavi has managed to vaccinate 760 million children. "We are here to do that again today; we reassert our commitment", stated the President of the Government.

"Guaranteeing access to vaccines under equal conditions is a multilateral responsibility, which is why the Gavi operating model is exemplary. Because it combines the needs of developing countries with the knowledge of the main international organisations and the experience of the private sector", specified Pedro Sánchez.

The announcement made by the President of the Government extends the pre-existing commitment to other initiatives made by Spain at an international level. Our country has committed 75 million euros to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations over the next 15 years, and 100 million euros to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria over the period 2020-2022.

Pedro Sánchez called for efforts to also be stepped up in Latin America, where "there are large pockets of poverty and extreme poverty, and particularly vulnerable regions in which Gavi can play a crucial role". "Because, as the title of this conference says, no-one will be protected until we are all protected", underlined Pedro Sánchez.

Non official translation