Expansion of partnership with GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance: Ministry of Health and Alliance hold joint consultations on national immunisation programme
Since 2025, under the joint partnership between the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, the country has been receiving high-quality vaccines for childhood immunisations as part of the National Immunisation Schedule. Specifically, vaccines against hepatitis B, diphtheria and tetanus (DT), the PENTA-Hib vaccine (which protects against five infections), the BCG vaccine for infant tuberculosis immunisation, and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) have already been delivered to the country and regional healthcare facilities. These vaccines are part of a supply to support the national immunisation programme, in line with Ukraine’s Immunisation Development Strategy until 2030, funded by GAVI. The partnership agreement between GAVI and Ukraine was signed in late 2024, with vaccine deliveries for routine immunisations starting in 2025.
“The Ministry of Health of Ukraine and GAVI have a long history of effective collaboration – from vaccine supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic to consistent support for the immunisation programme amid wartime challenges. We deeply value this partnership, which enables us to protect children’s health, especially during these difficult times. During our joint meeting with GAVI’s leadership, we discussed opportunities to further expand cooperation in 2026. In particular, with changes to the Immunisation Schedule planned for 2026, which include the introduction of modern combination vaccines and free HPV vaccination,” said Deputy Minister of Health and Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine Ihor Kuzin.
During the meeting, representatives from the Ministry of Health and GAVI discussed shared priorities and global challenges related to routine immunisation coverage in Ukraine and worldwide. They also explored potential options for expanding the partnership in 2026, involving regional and Ukrainian representatives of WHO and UNICEF.
As a reminder, since 2020, Ukraine has been part of the global COVAX initiative, established under GAVI’s platform. At least 180 countries, including Ukraine, have joined this initiative, receiving free or discounted vaccines since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVAX mechanism was one of several efforts that enabled 20% of Ukraine’s population to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The initiative, founded by WHO and GAVI, coordinates vaccine manufacturers and governments worldwide.