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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

Board member: Mr Saad Houry, Deputy Executive Director

UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, is a key partner in the GAVI Alliance and until December 2007 its Executive Director Ms Ann M. Veneman was chair of the GAVI Board. UNICEF has also chaired the GAVI Task Force on Advocacy, which was responsible for coordinating global advocacy and communications efforts of the GAVI partners.

UNICEF and immunisation

UNICEF is the world’s largest purchaser of vaccines for developing countries and a key partner in global immunisation efforts. Its supply division, based in Copenhagen, is responsible for global purchasing, including some $100 million per year spent on vaccines and safe injection equipment.

As part of its mandate to promote child survival, UNICEF has advocated, mobilised resources and built capacity in government systems and communities to ensure that children receive basic immunisation services.