Seoul: First Vice Minister of Government Policy Coordination Kim Young-su met with the chair of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), Helen Clark, in Seoul on Thursday to discuss enhancing cooperation between the two entities.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting highlighted South Korea's intention to expand its collaboration with international healthcare organizations as part of its official development assistance plans in the healthcare sector announced in May. Kim emphasized the country's interest in strengthening its strategic partnership with GAVI to enable South Korean vaccine companies to contribute more effectively to the global healthcare landscape.
The GAVI platform currently procures over US$140 million worth of vaccines annually from South Korea, accounting for 11 percent of its total vaccine needs. Kim's discussion with Clark focused on further increasing this cooperation, with a vision of contributing to international health improvements.
Clark, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, expressed her appreciation for South Korea's financial support to GAVI. She also conveyed optimism about enhancing collaboration with South Korea, particularly in vaccine development and distribution, and leveraging artificial intelligence technology to innovate the health and bio sectors.
Between 2010 and 2025, South Korea has contributed $426 million to GAVI and plans to provide an additional $50 million by 2030, underscoring its commitment to global health initiatives.