The Global Alliance for Vaccines (Gavi) has so far provided Nepal with assistance worth more than 550 million US dollars.
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The Global Alliance for Vaccines (Gavi) has decided not to request the return of USD 308,271 from Nepal. Following the initiative of Minister for Health and Food Hygiene Nisha Mehata, this amount will be adjusted from the assistance Nepal will receive under Gavi 6.0 in the coming days.
According to the Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene, Gavi communicated this decision to Nepal via letter, stating that it was based on the bilateral meeting held during the World Health Assembly, subsequent correspondence, and the proposal submitted by Nepal.
Gavi clarified that this decision is a special arrangement made for Nepal and only for this one time. The letter also mentions that this decision should not be considered a precedent for similar matters in the future.
So far, Gavi has provided Nepal with assistance worth more than USD 550 million. This support has contributed to the operation of the regular immunization program in Nepal, the introduction and expansion of new vaccines, strengthening of the cold chain (vaccine storage and transportation system), vaccine procurement, capacity building of health workers, vaccine supply management, and the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, among other programs.
After Nepal and Gavi signed a partnership framework in 2014, a special audit was conducted in 2022 as part of the review of the management and financial system of programs operated with Gavi support.
The audit covered the period from 2016/17 to 2021/22. The audit team conducted field studies and tests of 22 implementing agencies, including the Department of Health Services.
After the initial audit, the collection of necessary financial documents and records was requested for re-examination. Accordingly, Gavi’s audit team visited Nepal again from April 22 to May 1, 2024, and completed a follow-up audit. After the re-examination, on November 13, 2024, Gavi sent a letter to the then Ministry of Health and Population requesting Nepal’s commitment and payment plan regarding the USD 308,271.
To resolve this issue, Minister for Health and Food Hygiene Nisha Mehata held direct discussions with Gavi officials during the World Health Assembly. Subsequently, on June 4, 2026, formal correspondence was made with a proposal for resolution.
Following these discussions and continued coordination, Gavi accepted Nepal’s proposal, deciding not to request the return of the amount and to adjust it from the upcoming cash assistance Nepal will receive under Gavi 6.0.
In its letter, Gavi praised Nepal’s commitment to the national immunization program, the expansion of immunization services, financial management, timely implementation of audit recommendations, and efforts made to improve program operations. Gavi also expressed its commitment to continue its long-term cooperation with Nepal in the future. According to the relevant agencies, this decision is expected to further strengthen the Nepal-Gavi partnership and provide significant support for the sustainability of the national immunization program and the implementation of future health programs.
