Statement from Sacha Deshmukh, Executive Director of Unicef UK

29 April 2020 – Responding to today’s news that the UK government have pledged further funding to GAVI, the vaccine alliance, to protect up to 75 million children against deadly diseases, Sacha Deshmukh, Executive Director of Unicef UK, said:

“Unicef UK is delighted to see the UK Government’s continued strong commitment to life-saving vaccines by announcing a funding pledge to GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. This comes at a critical time, when all of us are acutely aware of the importance of strong health systems.

“Diseases have no borders, and coronavirus is an urgent reminder that vulnerability anywhere is a threat to health everywhere. UNICEF already supplies vaccines to nearly half of the world’s children, but a fully funded GAVI is crucial for advancing UNICEF’s goal to realise the right of every child to immunisation and ensuring we can reach the most vulnerable.

“Today’s pledge is a welcome demonstration of Britain’s global leadership and commitment to ensuring children around the world survive and thrive. We hope this will encourage other governments around the world to invest in GAVI and ensure 300 million children receive the vaccines they need to be kept safe and healthy – during this crisis and beyond.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For more information, please contact:

Unicef UK Media Team, 0207 375 6030, [email protected]

About Unicef

Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK.

For more information please visit unicef.org.uk

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