GAVI has a special commitment to helping everyone in the developing world gain equal access to vaccines and health care, whether they are women or men, girls or boys
Women in the world's poorest countries are often more susceptible to disease than men because, from an early age, they do not share equal access to basic health care - with far-reaching consequences for future generations.
As the primary child carer in developing countries, a mother's health is inseparable from her child's. Not only do healthy mothers give birth to healthy children; women are also the first to recognise and seek treatment for their sons' and daughters' illnesses.
GAVI's commitment
Approved by GAVI boards in June 2008, the GAVI Alliance Gender policy recognises that guaranteeing equal access is a key factor in expanding immunisation coverage and reinforcing national services.
Drawing closely on the experiences and capacity of its partners, the Alliance is committed to:
- Promoting a more coordinated effort, at country and global level, to fulfilling international commitments to gender equality in health;
- Raising awareness of the issue;
- Providing leadership.
The policy results from GAVI partners working together through a Gender Advisory Committee.
