The GAVI Alliance said it “has started implementing a proactive gender policy into its work to ensure equal access to immunisation for boys and girls.” GAVI’s Gender Policy “commits the Alliance to use a gender perspective in the design, planning, and delivery of vaccinations and other health services. One of the largest providers of life-saving vaccines to children in the developing world, the Alliance believes that access to vaccines and better health should be an equal right for all.”

GAVI Policy Director Nina Schwalbe commented, “Immunisation has often been perceived as gender neutral, however initial studies indicate that there may be differences both in coverage and burden of disease that need to be considered. By implementing a gender policy, GAVI promotes the principles enshrined in international commitments. It also aligns the Alliance with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, with its cross-cutting issues of human rights and gender equality. As an Alliance we are in an ideal position to raise awareness and promote efforts towards gender equality in immunisation and related services on the country-level and globally.”

GAVI said that as part of its implementation plan, “from this year on, the Alliance will generate new data on the gender aspects of vaccination coverage and related health services. The Alliance will also assess the gender impact of all new vaccines it introduces, including the vaccine against cervical cancer. GAVI has already started applying the policy in its Health Systems Strengthening programmes.”

http://www.gavialliance.org/media_centre/press_releases/GAVI_Alliance_promotes_gender_equality.php