USD 10 million to strengthen Ukraine’s immunization program: a new phase of partnership between Gavi and the Ministry of Health
The Gavi Alliance has approved USD 10 million in funding to support Ukraine's immunization program in 2026, in accordance with the National Immunization Strategy through 2030 and its updated Operational Plan for 2026–2028. This support will primarily focus on the routine vaccination program, as uninterrupted vaccine availability, along with technical and logistical support for vaccine delivery and storage, is critical during wartime to protect the population from infectious diseases and alleviate pressure on the healthcare system.
“Immunization has always been one of the key state priorities in the health sector. Despite the war, we continue to ensure consistent access to essential vaccinations for people, both through vaccination rooms at healthcare facilities and through outreach by mobile teams to communities across the country. Despite all the challenges, we continue to strengthen the immunization system and expand capacities and partnerships, in particular with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, which has repeatedly supported Ukraine since the pandemic began and has demonstrated consistent support for our healthcare system during the war.”
The decision to launch a new phase of cooperation in 2026 results from the successful implementation of previous programs by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, clear coordination, and leadership by the National Immunization Program (NIP) team, supported by Gavi. Notably, since the beginning of 2025, nearly 2 million vaccinations have been administered to children. To ensure the continuity of essential medical services, more than 2.7 million doses of vaccines against 10 infectious diseases included in the National Immunization Schedule were delivered to Ukraine in 2025 through the collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Gavi and distributed to healthcare facilities across the regions.
In addition, under the partnership with Gavi, Ukraine will receive 510,000 vaccine doses in 2026. Gavi's decision to finance the procurement of vaccines for routine immunization in Ukraine in 2025 was the result of a long-standing open partnership, transparent reporting and the implementation of effective public health policies. This new phase of cooperation demonstrates a high assessment of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine’s performance and serves as a confirmation of trust in the national immunization program.
Gavi continues to support Ukraine in implementing the updated National Immunization Schedule, aligned with current global standards, with a particular focus on the nationwide rollout of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This support includes training medical personnel, providing technical assistance, and conducting public awareness campaigns aimed at increasing vaccination coverage and preventing HPV-related cancers.
As a reminder, the National Immunization Schedule in 2025 includes vaccines against 10 infectious diseases, expanding to 11 diseases in 2026 with the addition of the HPV vaccine. Vaccinations are provided for tuberculosis, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection. All vaccines under the National Immunization Schedule are offered free of charge, with procurement primarily funded through the state budget. In cases of increased demand or emergencies, some vaccines are supplied by international partners at the government's request.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Ukraine was among the first countries to join the global COVAX initiative, established under the co-leadership of the Gavi Alliance. More than 180 countries participated in COVAX and, like Ukraine, received COVID-19 vaccines either free of charge or at reduced prices. COVAX was one of several initiatives that enabled the vaccination of 20% of Ukraine's population against COVID-19. This initiative, founded by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Gavi Alliance, coordinates vaccine manufacturers and national governments.