COVID-19 Vaccinations Shift to Regular Immunization as COVAX Draws to a Close
COVAX, the global mechanism for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, concluded its operations on December 31, 2023, after having delivered nearly 2 billion doses to 146 economies, averting an estimated 2.7 million deaths in lower-income participating countries. Although COVAX has closed, low- and lower-middle-income economies will still receive vaccine support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in 2024 and 2025, with 83 million doses requested for 2024. Despite challenges, COVAX's end-to-end efforts significantly contributed to vaccine equity, with 57% two-dose coverage achieved in lower-income economies. COVAX faced obstacles such as delayed deliveries but made notable strides, supplying 74% of all COVID-19 vaccine doses to low-income countries. Moving forward, the initiative's learnings will inform future pandemic preparedness, with investments in vaccine manufacturing in Africa and the establishment of a First Response Fund to address future pandemics promptly. Leaders from COVAX partners emphasize the importance of building on COVAX's achievements and improving global response efforts for future health crises. To read more on how COVAX partners plan to support future vaccination efforts, click the link below!