Mahama Attends Gavi Summit in Brussels to Advocate for Global Vaccine Equity

Demonstrating continued leadership on global health issues, former President John Dramani Mahama is in Brussels for the Global Gavi Summit, where he will advocate for equitable vaccine access and support the campaign to immunise 500 million more children by 2030.

The summit, held on June 25, 2025, is jointly organised by the European Union, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

The high-level gathering is focused on mobilising international support for Gavi’s ambitious 2026–2030 replenishment campaign, which aims to immunise an additional 500 million children worldwide. If fully funded, the strategy is projected to prevent over 8 million deaths, stop up to 150 disease outbreaks, and generate more than $100 billion in economic gains globally.

Mr Mahama, a vocal advocate for equitable healthcare and immunisation efforts across Africa, is expected to serve a key ambassadorial role at the summit. Drawing on his experience as a former head of state who led national immunisation drives in Ghana, Mahama will advocate for stronger global solidarity to ensure vaccine access for lower-income nations.

This is not Mahama’s first time supporting Gavi’s mission. In 2013, he played a similar role during an earlier replenishment phase, underlining his long-standing dedication to childhood immunisation and global health initiatives. His return to the international stage at this summit signals renewed urgency to protect the progress made in vaccine delivery and disease prevention.

Gavi, since its founding in 2000, has delivered vaccines to over one billion children, helped avert nearly 19 million deaths, and contributed more than $250 billion in economic value to lower-income countries.

During his time in Brussels, Mr Mahama is expected to meet with key global stakeholders, including the President of the EU Council of Ministers and Bill Gates. These meetings will focus on sustaining momentum behind vaccine access and expanding cooperation to reach the world’s most vulnerable populations.

The summit serves as a timely platform for galvanising global commitment toward a healthier, more equitable future through immunisation.