GAVI Alliance CEO Dr Julian Lob-Levyt thanked the United States government for a US$75 million contribution – its highest ever – “to support the Alliance’s work to immunise children and strengthen health systems in the world’s poorest countries.” The contribution was part of an omnibus appropriations bill passed by the US Congress that includes the contribution to support the work of the GAVI Alliance for fiscal year 2009. The new contribution will be administered through the US Agency for International Development, a GAVI partner and Board member. U.S. support to GAVI in FY 2008 amounted to $71.9 million. Dr Lob-Levyt commented, “As the deepening financial crisis forces donors to make tough choices, the priority must be to improve the health of the world’s poor, particularly children. We greatly appreciate the commitment of the US Congress and President Obama to increase support to GAVI.”

http://www.gavialliance.org/media_centre/statements/25_03_09__75_million_contribution_from_the_US.php