KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance have held high-level talks on their strategic partnership for the 2027–2030 period, focusing on future vaccine support, co-financing and the long-term sustainability of Nepal’s national immunization programme.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Health and Food Safety Minister Nisha Mehta and a Gavi delegation led by Senior Country Manager Nilgun Aydogan.

During the meeting, Gavi proposed providing Nepal with US$39.6 million worth of vaccines and US$18.06 million in cash grants between 2027 and 2030.

Under the proposed framework, Nepal would contribute US$17.1 million in co-financing toward the programme, according to the Ministry of Health.

Nepal and Gavi have been partners since 2001. Over the past 25 years, Gavi has provided more than US$550 million in support for vaccines, cold-chain infrastructure and health system strengthening in Nepal, the ministry said.

Gavi currently co-finances five of the 11 vaccines included in Nepal’s National Immunization Programme and fully funds one additional vaccine. The alliance also supports routine immunization services and nationwide vaccination campaigns implemented through the National Immunization Programme under the Department of Family Welfare.

The meeting also focused on ensuring the long-term sustainability of Nepal’s immunization programme at a time when global development assistance and external financing are declining.

Gavi representatives praised Minister Mehta’s leadership in advancing Nepal’s immunization programme and commended the country’s progress in vaccine coverage, reaffirming the alliance’s commitment to continued cooperation in the years ahead.