The World Bank Group plays a critical role in strengthening global immunization efforts through its longstanding commitment to development and poverty reduction. It works to ensure that financial strategies for vaccine access are sustainable, equitable, and effective, particularly for the world’s most vulnerable populations.
About the World Bank Group
Founded in 1944, the World Bank Group is a global partnership of five development institutions working together to reduce poverty and support sustainable development.
With over 180 member countries, it delivers financial assistance, policy guidance, and technical expertise to governments, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income nations.
The Bank’s mission prioritizes equitable economic growth, and its investments often support health and education, which are vital to building resilient communities. Among its key areas of focus are:
- Strengthening access to basic health services and education
- Supporting environmental protection
- Promoting private sector development
- Improving the capacity of governments to deliver quality public services
- Creating economic conditions that encourage long-term investment
- Advancing social inclusion, governance, and institutional capacity
These efforts align closely with global health goals, particularly in ensuring health systems are strong enough to deliver routine and emergency immunization programs.
Supporting Immunization Through Development Finance
The World Bank engages with national governments to promote immunization as a key development priority. This includes:
- Collaborating with Ministries of Finance and Health to position vaccines as a smart economic investment
- Providing financial instruments, loans, and credits to support the rollout of national immunization programs
- Working with public and private partners to develop funding models for sustainable vaccine delivery
To deliver these goals, the Bank employs a range of specialized financial tools. The International Development Association (IDA) offers low-interest loans and grants that enable low-income countries to expand their immunization infrastructure.
In emergency settings, the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Trust Fund (HEPR) has been deployed to finance rapid vaccine procurement and distribution. In some cases, blended financing and co-financing structures have allowed governments to scale coverage while maintaining fiscal sustainability.
Responding to Global Health Emergencies
The Bank’s involvement in immunization extends to crisis response. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it launched a $12 billion fast-track facility to support vaccine purchase and deployment across more than 100 countries.
The funding was not limited to procurement, it also helped strengthen cold-chain logistics, training, and data systems needed for large-scale vaccine delivery.
In areas facing repeated outbreaks of measles, cholera, and yellow fever, the Bank has coordinated with national ministries to ensure emergency immunization programs are adequately funded and supported within existing health strategies.
Measurable Impact on Vaccine Access
As of 2023, the World Bank has committed over $20 billion in health financing, with a significant share dedicated to immunization systems.
Through IDA and IBRD-supported initiatives, more than 600 million individuals have gained access to improved vaccination services. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, World Bank funding has helped deliver vaccines in over 40 countries, contributing to increased immunization coverage and reductions in vaccine-preventable illnesses.
These results reflect a combination of strategic investment, technical assistance, and long-term health system support.
For updated details, visit worldbank.org.