GAVI waives $308,271 refund claim against Nepal

KATHMANDU: The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) has decided not to seek a refund of $308,271 from Nepal, with the amount instead to be adjusted against future financial assistance under the GAVI 6.0 funding cycle.

According to the Ministry of Health and Food Safety, the decision followed initiatives led by Minister for Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta, including bilateral discussions during the World Health Assembly, subsequent correspondence and a formal proposal submitted by the Nepal government.

GAVI informed Nepal that it had accepted the proposal and agreed to offset the amount from future support rather than requiring direct repayment.

Since the start of its partnership with Nepal, GAVI has provided more than $550 million in assistance, supporting routine immunization programmes, the introduction and expansion of new vaccines, cold chain infrastructure, vaccine procurement, health worker capacity building, vaccine supply management and COVID-19 response programmes.

Following the signing of the Nepal-GAVI Partnership Framework in 2014, a special audit of GAVI-supported programmes was conducted in 2022, followed by a follow-up audit in 2024 to assess programme management and financial systems.

Based on the audit findings, GAVI wrote to Nepal’s then Ministry of Health and Population on November 13, 2024, requesting the government’s commitment and a repayment plan for $308,271.

To address the issue, Minister Mehta held direct talks with GAVI leadership during the World Health Assembly. The government later submitted a formal proposal to GAVI on June 4, 2026, seeking an alternative resolution.

After continued discussions and coordination, GAVI agreed to Nepal’s proposal and decided to deduct the amount from future grant support under GAVI 6.0.

In its communication, GAVI commended Nepal’s commitment to its national immunization programme, expansion of vaccination services, sound financial management, timely implementation of audit recommendations and efforts to strengthen programme operations.

The alliance also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining long-term cooperation with Nepal. Officials said the decision is expected to further strengthen the Nepal-GAVI partnership and support the sustainability of the country’s immunization programme and future public health initiatives.