Key characteristics
The committee is composed of a range of technical experts from across the world who meet regularly to review applications for support from Gavi-eligible countries and to advise on their suitability for funding, ensuring alignment with Gavi’s strategic objectives and compliance with Gavi policies.
The Independent Review Committee (IRC), was evaluated in 2023 by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The three main objectives for this independent evaluation were: (1) to assess the suitability of IRC's strategic design in the context of Gavi 5.0/5.1, (2) to conduct an impartial assessment of IRC's proposal review process, and (3) to utilise the assessment to collaboratively develop solutions with the concerned teams. For more details we invite you to visit the IRC evaluation page.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the IRC to advise on whether to fund country plans and programmes and to review new country plans and requests for extensions of existing programmes in accordance with policies adopted by the Gavi Board. The aim of the IRC review is to make a recommendation as to whether a country plan will likely achieve (i.e. on a balance of probabilities) the proposed results and contribute to Gavi achieving its mission and strategy, taking into account the justification for the programme, soundness of approach, country readiness, feasibility of plans, system strengthening and sustainability, economic and financial considerations and public health benefit of the investment in line with Gavi’s mission.
Round opening
(on the portal) | 2025 Deadline for submission | IRC review dates
(indicative dates) |
|---|
| ~2mths prior | 22 January 2025 | 10–21 March 2025 |
| ~2mths prior | 1 May 2025 | 16–27 June 2025 |
| ~2mths prior | 16 September 2025 | 3–14 November 2025 |
IRC review rounds
In addition to the previous rounds, the IRC meets periodically for in-country reviews of requests associated with the Full Portfolio Planning process and remotely for ad-hoc reviews of time-sensitive requests.
IRC Membership
Members of the Independent Review Committee consist of specialists from a broad range of expertise.
IRC members shall be appointed by the Board on the recommendation of the Governance Committee, for a term of up to 3 years, with a maximum of three consecutive terms. Upon reaching the term limit, IRC members will not be eligible to serve on the IRC for at least 1 year. After such a break in service, former IRC members may be eligible to apply to be part of the IRC pool once again.
IRC LEADERSHIP
Dr Rose Leke, a Cameroonian immunologist, parasitologist and malariologist was appointed Chair of Gavi's Independent Review Committee by the Board in December 2022. Dr Leke served the IRC until March 2025 and currently her term has been extended for three more years until March 2028. She is currently supported by her two vice-chairs: Dr Bolanle Oyeledun and Mr Pierre Corneille Namahoro.
Range of expertise
The increasing complexity of Gavi support types requires an IRC with a broad range of expertise in areas such as:
- Routine immunisation programmes, especially at country level
- Management of campaigns
- Delivery of health services including child and adolescent health
- Health systems strengthening and management
- Epidemiology and disease control
- Cold chain and logistics
- Financial and budget analysis
- Gender and equity
Last updated: 11 Jul 2025
