Gavi’s new US$2.5 billion Day Zero Financing Facility is facing its first challenge as mpox has been declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization. As reported by Ann Danaiya Usher in The Lancet, this facility aims to provide immediate liquidity for vaccine procurement during global pandemics.
Despite some donations from the European Union and the United States, experts stress that these funds fall short of the urgent financing needs in the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding regions. The Day Zero Fund consists of $2 billion from an unused DFI credit line and a $500 million First Response Fund.
Although Gavi has not yet accessed the funds for the mpox outbreak, discussions with global partners are underway to assess vaccine supplies and needs. This initiative aims to ensure rapid vaccine access for Gavi-eligible countries, highlighting the importance of timely financing to improve pandemic preparedness.
