Norwegian candidate for Chair of GAVI Alliance Board

The Norwegian Government has nominated Dagfinn Høybråten (Member of the Storting and Leader of the Christian Democratic Party) as candidate for Chair of the Board of the GAVI Alliance. 

Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg commented: “The GAVI Alliance has saved millions of lives through its work to provide vaccination schemes for children and develop new vaccines. GAVI is making a key contribution to the global effort to realise the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on health. I am therefore delighted that we can put forward such a strong candidate for this important leadership position. Dagfinn Høybråten has a unique combination of knowledge, experience and deep commitment to the field.” 

Mr Høybråten took over from Prime Minister Stoltenberg as independent GAVI Board member in 2006. He has also been a Board member since 2009. Mr Høybråten is thoroughly familiar with GAVI’s work, and the important role the Alliance is playing in the efforts to achieve the MDGs and reduce poverty. GAVI mobilises private sector initiatives and NGO activities to promote global health, and has made a particularly important contribution through its work on innovative financing mechanisms. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre says he is looking forward to working closely with Mr Høybråten. “The GAVI Alliance is a key partner for Norway in the efforts to promote vaccination of children and the development of vaccines against diseases such as malaria, and to improve health in many developing countries.”