PM Solbergs statement at the Global Vaccine Summit 2020

Your excellences, dear partners and friends,

We know from our own experience that investing in vaccines is one of the best public health investments we can make. Norway was one of the founders of Gavi 20 years ago. We believed, and still believe, in the vision and mission to improve the world, one vaccine at a time.

Now, 20 years on, more than 760 million children have been given a better chance to reach adulthood, and to become productive members of society.

Preventing future epidemics of diseases such as measles and polio, through Gavi’s strategic and innovative approach to make vaccines affordable and accessible, has saved millions of lives.

In line with the strong “Gavi tradition”, we must continue to make sure no-one is left behind. Today’s pandemic and the ongoing unprecedented efforts to find vaccines against COVID-19 is a testament to the significance of vaccines.

World leaders must deliver on our promise to ensure that a vaccine, once developed, is available globally to those most in need first, including to those countries that do not have the ability to pay. It is a human rights issue. It is a global health security issue.

The New Advanced Mechanism Commitment for COVID-19 vaccines will ensure that also people in low-and lower-middle income countries have access to vaccines, once developed. This is a highly appreciated and timely initiative.

Norway is looking with interest into proposals for global solutions with broad participation to secure the efficient procurement and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to all, for example the Covax Facility presented by Gavi and CEPI.

Norway will continue to be a committed long-term partner for Gavi. I am pleased to announce Norway’s contribution of 1 billion USD, including 400 mill. USD to IFFIm for the strategic period 2021 - 2025.

Furthermore, 5,6 million USD already committed to Gavi will be used as seed-money to the new Advanced Mechanism Commitment.  

Thank you