Takeshi Akahori, Director-General and Ambassador for Global Issues, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan.

From the perspective of strengthening human security and achieving Universal Health Coverage, the Government of Japan has consistently prioritised action in global health during the past quarter century.

The efforts to promote immunisation in developing countries supported by Gavi and the newly launched African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) are the foundation of UHC and contribute to better prevention, preparedness and response to future pandemics.

Today, I am pleased to announce that the Government of Japan will contribute US$ 30 million to AVMA. This is in addition to JICA’s support to manufacturing medical and pharmaceutical products, and developing medical and health care-related facilities, in Africa, through its loan in partnership with the African Export-Import Bank.

To save lives and protect people's health by increasing equitable and sustainable use of vaccines advances our vision of “leaving no one behind”. We hope that Japan's vaccines and innovations will contribute to these efforts.

Japan will work with and within Gavi to advance its strategy with real results.

Read biography