Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The government and Gavi, the vaccine alliance, held discussions on a strategic cooperation framework (2027-2030) in Kathmandu on Friday.
During the discussions between the Gavi delegation and the Ministry of Health and Food Safety, Gavi proposed providing Nepal with vaccines worth $39.6 million and cash grants of $18.06 million for the upcoming four-year period.
Minister for Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta led the Nepali delegation in the discussion, while the Gavi delegation was led by Senior Manager for Nepal, Nilgun Aydogan.
Under the proposal, Nepal also needs to co-finance $17.1 million under the proposed assistance, according to health ministry officials.
Cooperation between Nepal and Gavi began in 2001. In 25 years, Gavi has supported vaccines, cold chain infrastructure, and health system strengthening in Nepal worth more than $550 million, according to the health ministry.
Gavi currently co-finances five of the 11 vaccines for the government’s National Immunization Program and provides one vaccine free of cost.
During the discussion, Gavi representatives praised the progress made by Nepal in vaccination and expressed their commitment to continuing cooperation in the coming days.
