In Conversation with Gavi CEO Seth Berkley: Reflections on Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead for Global Immunization Efforts

This event will be hosted in-person at CGD's DC office: 2055 L St NW, 5th floor, Washington, DC 20036

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has made significant progress in delivering cost-effective vaccines and increasing immunization coverage and equity since its creation in 2000. Still, even before COVID-19, the realities of a rapidly changing global landscape were impeding efforts to sustain and improve vaccination coverage rates, which remain far below global targets and levels required for herd immunity.

The pandemic exacerbated these struggles, leading to historic backsliding in routine immunization and a resurgence in vaccine-preventable diseases, while also underscoring challenges in the production and distribution of vaccines. At the same time, the global economic slowdown is putting pressure on health and aid spending, with implications for Gavi’s financing outlook.

Join the Center for Global Development for an in-person conversation with Seth Berkley, who has led the Alliance since 2011 and will step down as CEO in August 2023. Those not based in DC are invited to join virtually. The discussion will feature reflections on his tenure at Gavi and will touch on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, priorities for the unfinished immunization agenda, and ways to evolve Gavi’s approach to transition, co-financing, and sustainability in its next phase.