Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance has launched a new immunisation Supply Chain Strategy designed to help countries ensure vaccines reach people safely, reliably and on time, with a particular focus on under-served communities, according to a press release issued in Geneva on 01 July 2026. The strategy targets improved performance across the vaccine delivery system. Its priorities include minimising stock-outs, boosting cold chain efficiency and advancing equitable access. It also promotes closer alignment of systems and operations among global health initiatives. The approach seeks to build on recent momentum while addressing persistent last-mile challenges.
Recent progress underpins the strategy’s foundation. As of the end of 2025, 82.5% of decentralised vaccine distribution points beyond main vaccine stores in Gavi-supported countries reported full availability of key vaccines. Cold chain performance also improved significantly, with the number of countries achieving over 80% cold chain functionality rising from just 3 in 2021 to 31 in 2025. Broader supply chain maturity is steadily advancing, with more countries reaching high Effective Vaccine Management standards. These indicators reflect measurable movement toward consistent coverage.
A core pillar involves accelerating the shift to real-time, data-driven supply chains through private-sector partnerships. Technologies such as Nexleaf’s ColdTrace, now used in 43 countries, provide continuous visibility into vaccine cold chains, reducing losses by up to 80% and cutting equipment downtime by 63%. These tools safeguard over US$ 1.7 billion in vaccines each year and benefit an estimated one in six children worldwide. In Ethiopia, pilot programmes applying optimised routing and integrated delivery achieved up to 100% vaccine availability at hubs and over 97% service coverage. Such models show how private-sector expertise can strengthen public systems.
“Vaccines only save lives when they reach people in the right place, at the right time, and in the right condition,” said Thabani Maphosa, Gavi’s Chief Country Delivery Officer.
He added that the strategy focuses on availability, efficiency and equity, and on stronger integration at the last mile. Over the next five years, Gavi and its partners will continue strengthening core infrastructure such as warehousing. In South Sudan, storage capacity was increased from 2,700 m² to 4,700 m², improving efficiency and enabling better management of rising vaccine volumes. Last-mile delivery, however, remains the most persistent challenge, especially in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
Through deeper operational integration, Gavi and its partners are advancing a model described as a “merger at the last mile,” where global health initiatives combine their distinct activities into a unified approach. By aligning systems, data platforms and delivery routes, these efforts function as a single coordinated mechanism at the point of service delivery. Early implementation indicates the model can reduce duplication and optimise resources. During the 2026–2030 strategic period, Gavi will work with countries and partners to build stronger, smarter and more integrated supply chains. The Alliance frames this work as the foundation for equitable immunisation and resilient health systems.
