South Korea and GAVI Discuss Closer Cooperation as Seoul Pledges Another $50 Million

First Vice Minister of Government Policy Coordination Kim Young-su met with Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization chair Helen Clark in Seoul on June 4 to discuss ways to increase cooperation between South Korea and GAVI. Kim said South Korea intends to further expand cooperation with international healthcare organizations under its official development assistance plans in the healthcare sector announced in May.

He also said the country hopes to strengthen its strategic partnership with GAVI so that South Korean vaccine firms can contribute further to improving the international healthcare environment.

GAVI purchases more than US$140 million worth of vaccines, or 11 percent of its vaccine needs, from South Korea a year. South Korea contributed $426 million to GAVI between 2010 and 2025 and plans to contribute an additional $50 million until 2030. Clark expressed gratitude for South Korea's financial contribution to GAVI.

She also expressed hope for strengthening cooperation with the country in vaccine development and distribution, and innovating the health and bio sectors using artificial intelligence technology. A photo provided by the prime minister's office shows Kim Young-su posing with Clark during the meeting. The government held an ODA meeting focused on healthcare and cultural sectors.