Ensuring access to COVID-19 vaccines for low- and middle-income economies
What is the Gavi COVAX AMC?
At the Global Vaccine Summit on June 4, Gavi launched the COVID-19 Vaccines Advance Market Commitment (COVAX AMC) as the first building block of the COVAX Facility. The Gavi COVAX AMC is the innovative financing instrument that will support the participation of 92 low- and middle-income economies in the COVAX Facility – enabling access to donor-funded doses of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. The AMC, combined with additional support for country readiness and delivery, will make sure the most vulnerable in all countries can be protected in the short term, regardless of income level.
Latest AMC news
We can stop the cycle of new variants continuing indefinitely with a pandemic vaccine pool
Without it we could face further delays in the global rollout and risk the gulf between the vaccine haves and have nots widening.
COVAX and the other international organizations committed to vaccine equity cannot end the COVID-19 pandemic without the continued support of governments, industry, and civil society. By working together, the world has a chance to tame the…
Vaccination started off slow, but has steadily increased over 2021 thanks to public health messaging and vaccine deliveries.
All around the world, COVAX deliveries are helping to protect frontline health workers, reach nomadic communities, reunite families and allow schools to reopen. Since deliveries began in March, #VaccinesWork has been publishing snapshots that…
How the public came together to support COVID-19 vaccines for the world’s most vulnerable
People around the world have demonstrated global solidarity by donating to the COVAX Facility, providing vaccines to those who would otherwise have no access.
Dr Seth Berkley's reflections on 2021 and the global imperative for 2022
2021 has been another challenging pandemic year, but despite the challenges it saw important milestones, extraordinary resilience in Gavi-supported countries and progress on a number of fronts. In his annual end of year letter, Gavi CEO Dr Seth…
“We couldn’t afford to buy these vaccines on our own”: COVAX delivers in Malawi
COVAX deliveries have ramped up in Malawi, given local health workers and officials hope against the pandemic.
From availability to arrival: How COVAX doses make it to countries
By the end of 2021, COVAX will have delivered approximately 800 million doses to 144 countries around the world – the largest and most complex vaccination rollout in history. But what exactly does it take for doses to arrive in countries?
As the world’s first ever malaria vaccine is approved, we cannot let it be the last
Rather than marking the end of a very long journey we need to view the vaccine's arrival as the beginning of an important new one.
COVID-19 vaccines: Nepal leaves no people with disability behind
"Leave no one behind" has been one of the core pledges of the SDG 2030 agenda. In light of the COVID-19 situation, it is vital to consider the plight faced by people with disability. Nepal has lessons for us all.
Traditional governance systems help turn the tide against COVID-19 in Kenya
A century-old system of governance has helped keep their land plentiful and their villages peaceful. Now elders in Isiolo County, central Kenya, are using the system to keep their villages free of COVID-19.
Lagos steps up the fight against COVID-19
Lagod – the epicentre of COVID-19 in Nigeria – is ramping up its vaccination campaign, with committed leaders and ambitious targets.
In February 2021, Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to vaccinate its population in order to save lives and stem the spread of the coronavirus were being stymied by a wave of misinformation and a low level of public acceptance of the vaccine.
Vaccine rollout steps up a gear in Sierra Leone
Just 5.5% of Sierra Leoneans have had their first COVID-19 vaccination. With a target to reach at least 80% by December the campaign, with support from COVAX, is ramping up.
Five crucial years, one unprecedented new pandemic and 324 million children immunised
Even with the adversities and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic through 2020, Gavi maintained unyielding focus on leaving no one behind.
COVID-19 vaccinations help restore family links in Kenya’s prisons
Inmates in Kenya’s prison system have been banned from seeing family members for over a year and a half. A vaccination campaign.
Protecting prisoners in Malawi
Malawi prisoners are at higher risk of getting COVID 19; vaccines are helping to contain the spread.
COVAX can make even more of a difference if governments stop hoarding vaccine doses and allow the free flow of these crucial supplies.
Religious leaders join chorus of support for vaccination in Nigeria
Initially silent, respected religious leaders in Nigeria are beginning to make their voices heard in support of COVID-19 vaccines.
Combining COVID-19 and routine vaccination: Nigeria implements a “whole family” approach
The whole family approach is helping Lagos State tackle multiple disease outbreaks and helping families lead healthier lives.
A million a day: Pakistan’s COVID-19 vaccine campaign hits its stride
After a halting start to its immunisation campaign, Pakistan has shifted into high gear, now administering a million doses a day. #VaccinesWork spoke to national health leaders and spent a morning at a rural vaccination centre to find out what…
Vaccines save Eswatini’s education system
The delivery of COVID-19 vaccines has brought hope for the country’s education system.
Convincing nomadic populations to get the jab in Northern Kenya
For the Gosha community, vaccines are not only protecting them from COVID-19, but are also bringing development to their area.
First flight facilitated by the Hope Consortium touches down in Belgium with large delivery of ultra-cold chain freezers for onward shipment to 21 African countries.
In the face of mounting logistical hitches, ordinary Nigerians are rallying behind health workers to ensure the success of COVID-19 vaccine rollout across the country.
The sports and entertainment communities of Eswatini are banking on COVID-19 vaccines to turn their fortunes around.
How will vaccinating camels boost uptake of COVID-19 vaccines?
Authorities in Kenyan border regions have come up with an innovative way to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations among herder communities: combine it with animal vaccination.
More deliveries equals more demand for vaccines in South Sudan
With COVAX stepping up deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines in South Sudan, there is a steady increase in demand for the jab.
Youth groups playing their part to boost COVID-19 vaccinations in DRC
Youth organisations in the DRC are doing their bit to change perspectives towards vaccinations.
COVAX vaccines lead drive to reopen Uganda’s schools
The Ugandan government is on a drive to vaccinate teachers to ensure the reopening of schools across the country.
What the world can learn from Bhutan’s rapid COVID vaccine rollout
Careful planning enabled this small, mountainous Himalayan country to vaccinate 90% of its adult population in three weeks.
Community health workers are critical in delivering COVID-19 vaccines
Delivering COVID-19 vaccines in low- and middle-income countries is only the first step in being able to vaccinate the world and bring this pandemic to an end. It’s essential to get vaccines from tarmacs into the arms of people living in last…
Lower-income countries are letting far fewer COVID-19 vaccine doses expire than wealthier nations
Just 0.2% of COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered to lower-income countries through COVAX expired before they could be administered, estimated to be a significantly lower amount than wealthier countries.
Togo leads the way in COVID-19 vaccine roll-out
With support from Gavi, WHO and UNICEF, Togo is introducing various mechanisms to turn the tide of COVID-19.
Three things this week’s Global COVID-19 Summit is aiming to achieve
The White House is calling a virtual COVID-19 Summit on Wednesday, 22 September. Its targets for global vaccination are ambitious and essential as we work together to defeat COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccine roll-out gathers pace in Kisumu, Kenya
In Kisumu, which is still recovering from the after-effects of flooding, authorities are working to bring vaccines to the beleaguered residents.
Vaccine justice: Nepal gives refugees priority in the vaccine queue
Nepal has distributed more than 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine according to a considered allocation schedule based on humane, inclusive, epidemiological good sense. The country’s future safety depends on the willingness of the rest of the…
The G20 Must Recommit to COVAX
Additional G20 support can make the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access facility a success. Failure to achieve equitable access would mean more lives lost, broken health-care systems, even deadlier and more transmissible variants, and a pandemic with…
Intellectual Property and COVID-19 vaccines
During a pandemic supply bottlenecks of essential medical products are almost inevitable, but with COVID-19 this has been further exacerbated by governments hoarding doses and imposing export bans.
Refugees included in Uganda’s COVID-19 vaccine drive
Uganda is setting an example by including its estimated 1.4 million refugees in its COVID-19 vaccine programme, however there are still barriers to overcome.
“I will definitely take the vaccine”: High demand for COVID-19 vaccines in Uganda
While there was some initial reluctance to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in Eastern Uganda, attitudes are changing fast.
From town criers to local monarchs: encouraging COVID-19 vaccination in Southern Nigeria
Volunteers, including King Dakolo of the Epetiama kingdom, are sensitising and convincing people to accept the COVID-19 vaccine in Bayelsa State, Southern Nigeria.
Nurses on the COVID-19 frontlines in Sierra Leone
#VaccinesWork spoke to nurse Fatmata Kamara* about how the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in Sierra Leone is progressing.
The COVAX No Fault Compensation Programme: Explained
Indemnity and liability was one of the thorniest problems COVAX had to solve to successfully roll out COVID-19 vaccines in lower-income countries. The solution is a world first, which could offer a model for future pandemics.
Kenyans use their polio fighting network to tackle COVID-19
A rich network of community volunteers in Nairobi are putting skills they developed during anti-polio activities to work tackling COVID-19, and mobilising slum dwellers to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
What does COVAX’s latest supply forecast tell us?
The forecast is encouraging given the supply disruptions COVAX and countries with bilateral deals are currently experiencing, and the general challenges manufacturers are experiencing as they ramp up supply at historic speed and scale.
Giving 110%: Eswatini’s early rollout of COVID-19 vaccines
Eswatini received its first batch of 32 000 Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines in late March. 12 000 came through the COVAX facility and 20,000 through a donation from the Indian Government.
Five Good Reasons to Go Give One
Wondering what you can do to help end the acute phase of the pandemic? Go Give One – is giving everyone everywhere a chance to play their part.
Why we support COVAX: Mastercard
Mastercard, a long-standing partner of Gavi, recently committed US$ 28 million to the Gavi COVAX AMC, to ensure vaccines are accessible to those that needed them the most, no matter where they live. Vaccines Work spoke to Michael Froman to learn…
World leaders and private sector commit to protecting the vulnerable with COVID-19 vaccines
In the COVAX Advance Market Commitment Summit, hosted by Japan, countries and industry came together to pledge support to the mission of making vaccines available equitably worldwide.
World leaders unite to commit to global equitable access for COVID-19 vaccines
The Gavi COVAX AMC Summit “One World Protected” virtual event, hosted today by the Government of Japan and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, raised US$ 2.4 billion from nearly 40 donor governments, the private sector and foundations, exceeding the…
Why we support COVAX: UBS and UBS Optimus Foundation
The UBS Optimus Foundation has launched a campaign to help secure funding for the COVAX Advance Market Commitment. Vaccines Work spoke to Tom Hall, the UBS Head of Philanthropy Services to find out why.
The World Isn’t Getting Vaccinated Fast Enough. Here Are 4 Ways to Fix That
In an unprecedented show of global solidarity, the world came together to back COVAX, a unique global solution aimed at making equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines possible.
Gavi’s Seth Berkley named one of the world’s greatest leaders by Fortune
Dr Berkley is recognised alongside other world-changing vaccine champions in this year’s list for their part in the fight against COVID-19.
Gavi signs agreement with Moderna to secure doses on behalf of COVAX Facility
The signed advance purchase agreement (APA) is for up to 500 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Moderna. Supply via the agreement will take place from the second half of 2021 through 2022, with options in place to address the…
France makes important vaccine dose donation to COVAX
Today, to mark the first year of the creation of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, President Emmanuel Macron announced that France has begun sharing vaccine doses with COVAX, starting with a first batch of 105,600 doses – with 500,…
Over half a million doses of COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Angola in March, delivered through the COVAX initiative. VaccinesWork talked to some of the first beneficiaries.
Tales from the COVID frontline: An Angolan filmmaker takes on COVID-19
Óscar Gil Pereira is one of Angola’s most celebrated filmmakers. Last year he became one of the 24,000 people in Angola to contract COVID-19. After beating the disease, he is now vaccinated and committed to celebrating the health worker heroes…
Resourceful Optimism: Fighting COVID-19 in Afghanistan
The pandemic has strained most countries’ health systems. Afghanistan has faced more hurdles than most.
COVAX: A new standard for global innovation and partnership
COVAX has a critical role to play in ending the acute phase of the pandemic. The initiative could also be a model for how we address some of the most urgent development challenges of our time, from climate change to poverty reduction.
“A ray of sunshine”: COVAX vaccines reinvigorate health workers in Eswatini
The delivery of vaccines has gone a long way to alleviating the fears and pressure on healthcare workers in Eswatini.
How long does immunity last after COVID-19 vaccination?
Millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines are being delivered across the world, but what do we know about how long will immunity last?
Global leaders rally to accelerate access to COVID-19 vaccines for lower-income countries
The “One World Protected” Event, hosted today by the United States and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, launched a campaign to raise US$ 2 billion for the global fight against COVID-19.
“I can only run away from death for so long”: Vaccinating Elders in Eswatini
The delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to Eswatini through COVAX means the elderly now have the chance to protect themselves against the disease. VaccinesWork visits a vaccination session in Lobamba.
COVAX reaches over 100 economies, 42 days after first international delivery
The COVAX Facility has now delivered life-saving vaccines to over 100 economies since making its first international delivery to Ghana on February 24th.
United States to host launch event for Gavi COVAX AMC 2021 investment opportunity
The virtual event will bring together world leaders, the private sector, civil society, and key technical partners to galvanize resources and commitment to the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC).
The first COVAX vaccinations begin
COVID-19 vaccination campaigns using COVAX-funded doses commenced today in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, the first global rollout.
Country readiness for COVID-19 vaccines
This article is part of a series of explainers on vaccine development and distribution. Learn more about vaccines – from how they work and how they’re made to ensuring safety and equitable access – in WHO’s Vaccines Explained series.
The largest global rollout of vaccines in history just got one step closer
The World Health Organization has given the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine an Emergency Use Listing, passing an important milestone before the first delivery of COVAX vaccines worldwide.
Gavi’s CEO explains how the COVAX Advance Market Commitment mechanism will make COVID-19 vaccines available to lower-income countries.
Protecting Lower-Income Countries with COVID-19 Vaccines Requires Global Solidarity
The medical and moral imperative for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines is why COVAX was created. Co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, together with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (…
COVAX Facility convenes first meeting of COVAX AMC engagement group
The COVAX AMC Engagement Group, composed of Gavi COVAX AMC participants, donors, and other stakeholders, forms a key component of Facility governance.
The European Commission, France, Spain, The Republic of Korea and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledge US$ 360 million to Gavi’s COVID-19 Vaccines Advance Market Commitment (COVAX AMC)
Gavi COVAX AMC: a shot in the arm for international cooperation
Never has the development of vaccines been so widely anticipated as for COVID-19, and arguably never has so much been at stake. Because without COVID-19 vaccines, we cannot bring this crisis to a swift end.
Japan pledges US$ 130 million to support global access to COVID-19 vaccines
Japanese Government pledges US$ 130 million in funding to the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC), bringing the total raised to roughly US$ 1.8 billion.
Countries pledge nearly US$ 1 billion to support equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines
The United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Italy and Sweden pledge approximately US$ 960 million to Gavi’s COVID-19 Vaccines Advance Market Commitment (COVAX AMC)
The Gavi Board has approved the provision of US$ 150 million in initial funding to jumpstart support COVAX AMC-eligible countries’ readiness to deliver COVID-19 vaccines, in the form of planning, technical assistance and cold chain equipment
Collaboration among the Serum Institute of India (SII), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will accelerate manufacturing and delivery of up to an additional 100 million doses of future vaccines, if proven to be…
Australia commits AU$ 80 million to guarantee access to COVID-19 vaccines for all
The funding will support the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC), which aims to secure doses of COVID-19 vaccines for 92 low- and middle-income countries and economies at the same time as wealthier nations
New landmark collaboration between the Serum Institute of India (SII), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to accelerate manufacturing and delivery of up to 100 million doses of future safe and effective COVID-…
Gavi Board agrees scope of COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC), which aims to secure doses of COVID-19 vaccines for 92 low- and middle-income countries and economies at the same time as wealthier nations.
Global technology company TransferWise and a donor which asked to remain anonymous made significant financial commitments to Gavi’s Advance Market Commitment for COVID-19 Vaccines (Gavi COVAX AMC)
Gavi Board calls for global access to COVID-19 vaccines
Gavi Board shows support for continued work on COVAX Facility: a global, coordinated mechanism designed to ensure rapid and equitable access to safe and efficacious COVID-19 vaccines to as broad a global population as possible
What is the COVAX pillar, why do we need it and how will it work?
With more than 200 COVID-19 vaccines already in development, why do we need the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator Vaccine Pillar, or COVAX Pillar?
Gavi launches innovative financing mechanism for access to COVID-19 vaccines
Gavi Advance Market Commitment for COVID-19 Vaccines (Gavi Covax AMC) launched at Global Vaccine Summit 2020 draws strong support, early commitments from global leaders.
Accessing COVID-19 vaccines via the COVAX AMC
COVAX AMC application process
Countries can send their CDS Needs-Based applications through the WHO Partner’s Platform. Gavi will continue to accept CDS applications as long as funding is available. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
All relevant documents can be found below.
COVAX AMC application documents
Needs-Based Funding Window of COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery Support (CDS)
The COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery Support (CDS) Needs-Based Window is designed to cover programmatic and funding gaps in country plans to scale-up COVID-19 vaccine delivery through end of 2022. With ~US$ 400M in funding available for the AMC 61 countries, the window seeks to support key priorities in existing National Deployment and Vaccination Plans (NDVPs) and to leverage partners to fund remaining gaps. To respond to urgent situations putting delivery of COVAX doses at-risk, a short-term pathway exists to provide rapid access to funds to mitigate delivery issues.
Countries can send their CDS Needs-Based applications through the WHO COVID-19 Partners Platform. Gavi will continue to accept CDS applications as long as funding is available. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Early Access COVID-19 VACCINE DELIVERY SUPPORT (CDS)
This support is designed to enable rapid roll-out and scale up of COVAX-funded doses. To ensure that funding is available rapidly, Gavi is immediately making available up to $350M through a CDS Early Access window with an expedited request process. Countries can access the application form through the WHO COVID-19 Partners Platform which was used to submit National Deployment and Vaccination Plans for COVID-19 vaccine delivery earlier this year. The platform will be open for applications from Monday 5 July until the end of August 2021. All CDS Early Access requests require signature by the Minister of Health or his/her designee and applicants are expected to notify their Inter-agency Coordinating Committee of the request.
Cold chain equipment support
The COVAX Facility is making available cold chain equipment (CCE) support to participating AMC 92 countries, although priority will be given to the 57 Gavi-eligible economies. Find below guidance on how to complete the application, descriptions of supported technologies and services and the necessary forms and templates to complete.
Technical assistance
To prepare all countries for COVID-19 vaccine introduction, WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and partners are working together at the global and regional levels to support the AMC economies in the planning and preparation for introducing the COVID-19 vaccine. All AMC 92 economies are eligible to request TA although priority will be given to Gavi-eligible countries.
Vaccine Request
COVAX AMC Eligible Economies should confirm participation in the AMC by submitting a completed and signed Vaccine Request – Part A, which should be submitted to covaxproposals@gavi.org, with a copy sent to the relevant Gavi Senior Country Manager (if applicable) or country focal point by 7 December 2020. To complete the submission Vaccine Request – Part B should be submitted to covaxproposals@gavi.org, with a copy sent to the relevant Gavi Senior Country Manager or focal point (whichever is applicable) by 8 January 2020.
COVAX AMC - APPLICATION overview
An outline of the process that countries will be required to follow for COVAX Facility funding as well as elements to consider in requests.
AMC Legal Support Resources
For AMC92 countries that require direct assistance with the legal requirements pertaining to indemnification or the no-fault compensation system, COVAX has arranged for such assistance to be provided through the organizations identified below. You may choose to contact these two organizations or work with your own resources or with consultants or attorneys you may decide to engage directly. These organizations and the relevant contact information are detailed below.
- The International Senior Lawyers Project has contacted a number of global legal experts on issues of indemnification and compensation who are willing to provide services to any of the AMC92 countries that require it on a pro bono basis. To access this resource, please send an email to ISLP at CovaxLegalSupport@islp.org. The contact person at ISLP that is leading this work is Sara Lulo, the Executive Director of ISLP.
- The O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University in the United States has developed a preliminary (and non-exclusive) list of consultants with the relevant experience, who can provide technical legal support to select countries in drafting the enabling legislation/regulation and taking it through the relevant parliamentary or other necessary approvals. The experts they have identified are in all regions of the world. You can access this list by contacting Sam Halabi at sfh9@georgetown.edu or Kat Ginsbach at katherine.ginsbach@georgetown.edu.
AMC Legal Support Resource Documents
Authorizations for Vaccine Procurement from 20 Governments
In order to receive vaccines through the COVAX Facility, participating governments must legally authorize one or more actions in order to comply with the COVAX template indemnity agreement. Not all governments desiring to procure vaccines through COVAX will have current or past experience identifying, applying, or amending laws or regulations that will satisfy the indemnity agreement provisions. In order to provide assistance to those governments wishing to consider legal alternatives, the COVAX Facility has partnered with the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University, which has analyzed legal authorizations used by governments representing diverse legal and constitutional traditions to facilitate procurement of vaccines generally and, in some cases, COVAX specifically.
Authorizations for indemnity to vaccine manufacturers, distributors, and administrators has been enacted through three primary legal channels: public procurement laws, public health emergency laws, and laws specific to immunization. Legal precedents from 20 jurisdictions are included. Nine were adopted pursuant to COVID-19 specifically: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, EU, Malawi, Philippines, UK. Eleven were enacted previously: Ghana, Lao DPR, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia.
The relevant clauses are listed following the designation of each statutory or administrative authorization. These statutes, regulations, rules, and decrees do not constitute legal advice, nor are these legal precedents maintained for day-to-day accuracy as some are subject to ministerial review and amendment on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. They are intended only to provide guidance as to how governments procuring vaccines through COVAX may take the necessary legal steps to satisfy COVAX requirements.
Checklist of Key Principles for Ensuring Legislative, Regulatory, or Ministerial Authority to Implement COVID-19 Vaccine Related Indemnity
Governments choosing to receive vaccines through COVAX must be able to show that they may legally indemnify COVAX partners, that is, accept legal and financial responsibility, for serious adverse reactions following immunization (SAEFI) with vaccines procured through the COVAX Facility.
This checklist is intended to assist countries identify the legal authorizations that may be used to fulfill these requirements. These legal authorities may be found in the constitutional text, in legislation, in regulations that may be issued by a proper authority, or by decree of the executive or authorized ministry. The checklist is supported by, and may be cross-referenced with, the accompanying resource, Authorizations for Vaccine Procurement from 20 Governments.
The checklist below provides steps for legal review that may be taken to ensure that proper authority exists to enter into agreements with COVAX Facility partners. Relevant laws may be found in more than one of these general areas, and proper authority may be codified in more general laws like those authorizing the president or executive to act during an emergency. Laws identified should still be reviewed against the national constitution, which may impose limits on borrowing, public finance, or relinquishment of legal claims by individual citizens.
Last updated: 30 Jun 2022