The Spanish government, led by President Pedro Sánchez, has sent a clear signal of global solidarity and preventive healthcare. Sánchez announced a significant increase in Spain’s contribution to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi) by 130 million Euros for the years 2026 to 2030. This represents a 30% increase compared to the previous period and underscores Spain’s unwavering commitment to investing in health, particularly in prevention and immunisation worldwide.
Spain’s Commitment to Multilateralism and Global Health
On Wednesday, at the Global Future Summit in Brussels, co-organised by Gavi, the European Union, and the Gates Foundation, President Sánchez emphasised the Spanish government’s “absolute” commitment to the multilateral system and global health. In the face of a shrinking donor community, armed conflicts, and a suffocating economic debt crisis that hits the most vulnerable the hardest, it is more necessary than ever to “take a step forward.” The goal is to strengthen citizens’ trust in international institutions capable of responding to common challenges.
Sánchez highlighted Spain’s pioneering role in the global health system. He referred to the deep trust of Spanish society in vaccination as a preventive method and the scientific certainty that vaccinations, along with access to drinking water and sanitation, are the most effective preventive method for eradicating diseases. Since its inception, Spain has continuously supported the Gavi vaccine alliance to extend the benefits of vaccination to the entire global population.
A Clear Commitment in Uncertain Times
“Precisely now, when others hesitate, doubt, or withdraw,” Spain is ready to “take a step forward,” Sánchez said. The Spanish government will double its investments in health, prevention, and immunisation, providing up to 130 million Euros for Gavi, a 30% increase over the previous period.
The importance of health financing will also be a central topic at the IV International Conference on Development Finance, to be held in Seville from June 30 to July 3. There, as Sánchez emphasised, “concrete initiatives of great impact” will be presented. He concluded with the appeal: “Together, we can and must promote reforms in the financing and governance of global health.”
Meeting with Bill Gates: Strengthening Global Solidarity
As part of the Global Future Summit, President Sánchez also met with Bill Gates, President of the Gates Foundation, one of the world’s leading philanthropic organisations in global health. Both discussed the urgent need to renew commitment to international cooperation, based on “global solidarity and the achievement of sustainable, fair, and inclusive development for all.” This meeting underscores the shared vision of tackling global health challenges and creating a more equitable world through coordinated efforts.
