The Vaccine Alliance, which works with low- and middle-income countries to improve access to life-saving vaccines, said the new partnerships are designed to help countries move proven innovations from pilot stages to nationwide implementation. Several of the initiatives will support Gavi’s Innovation Scale-Up Facility (SUF), a financing mechanism aimed at unlocking private capital for health innovations that are ready to be deployed at scale.
Launched at Gavi’s replenishment summit in June 2025, SUF connects donors and investors with tested solutions across the immunisation value chain, ranging from service delivery to supply-chain improvements. The facility focuses on innovations that governments have already shown interest in adopting, reducing the gap between successful trials and real-world impact.
As part of the expansion, global venture capital firm 500 Global has committed to work with Gavi to mobilise up to $300 million for the facility. The Coca-Cola Foundation has also pledged support, offering technical assistance to countries and businesses implementing SUF-backed innovations.
In West Africa, Gavi announced targeted partnerships aimed at improving vaccine access in cocoa-farming communities, where immunisation coverage remains below national averages. Collaborations with Netherlands-based chocolate maker Tony’s Chocolonely, UBS Optimus Foundation and the Bayer Foundation will focus on strengthening primary healthcare systems and increasing vaccination rates in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
With initial backing from the Gavi Dutch Matching Fund, the alliance estimates that 140,000 children will be reached in the first three years of the programme, with more than 600,000 people expected to benefit across both countries over time.
Gavi also said it will reinforce its partnership with drone delivery company Zipline to expand vaccine distribution to hard-to-reach communities in Nigeria. The effort will receive additional support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, further bolstering last-mile delivery in areas with limited infrastructure.
Commenting on the announcements, Gavi Chief Executive Officer Sania Nishtar said the partnerships reflect a shift toward sustainable scale rather than short-term experimentation.
“By combining innovation with strong new partnerships and the support of donors and governments, Gavi is helping countries move beyond pilots and embed proven solutions into national health systems,” she said, adding that the approach is critical to strengthening healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income countries.