Opening speech
Honorable chair and fellow delegates,
Let me start with a simple but powerful story. In Malawi, a little girl named Grace was one of
the first children to receive the groundbreaking malaria vaccine. Malaria is a desease that
takes the lives of over 260,000 children each year, is now preventable, thanks to WHO and
Gavi. For Grace, this vaccine is not just protection—it's a chance at life. Vaccines do more
than protect individual children, they create stronger communities and allow entire societies
to thrive.
France believes that access to vaccines is a fundamental right, not a privilege. As a global
health leader, we have prioritized supporting initiatives that strengthen healthcare systems
and ensure vaccines reach every corner of the world.
Together, we can ensure that every child, no matter where they are born, has access to life-
saving vaccines. We call upon the international community to work collectively to make
stories like Grace’s not an exception, but the norm across the globe.
Merci.
What steps is France taking to ensure vaccines reach rural or underserved regions?
France has undertaken various initiatives to ensure vaccines reach rural or underserved
regions. One significant approach involves leveraging the COVAX initiative to provide
equitable vaccine distribution globally, focusing on countries and communities with limited
access. For instance, France has donated COVID-19 vaccine doses to low-income nations
through COVAX, with priority given to high-risk groups such as health professionals in
underserved areas. Domestically, innovative strategies have been employed, including the use
of mobile health units and partnerships with local organizations to deliver vaccines directly to
remote and underserved populations. For example, mobile hospitals in the Pyrenees region
have been repurposed to administer vaccines in isolated areas. Such efforts underscore
France’s commitment to equitable healthcare access on both national and international levels.
How does Germany propose to foster collaboration between member states, NGOs, and the
private sector?
Speech for Moderated Caucus Addressing the Financial Barriers to Vaccine Access
Honorable Chair and esteemed delegates,
Access to vaccines should never be determined by financial means, yet millions of children
remain unprotected due to cost barriers. France believes in the principle that vaccines are a
global public good. To address this, we advocate for increased funding to international
initiatives like Gavi, which has already enabled the immunization of over 981 million
children in low-income nations. Additionally, innovative financing tools, such as the
International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm), have proven effective in
accelerating vaccine access for the most vulnerable populations.
France calls on all nations to contribute to these mechanisms and to explore subsidies or
tiered pricing models, ensuring affordability for all. By sharing this responsibility, we can
bridge the financial gap and uphold our collective commitment to child health and global
stability.
Speech for Moderated Caucus reducing health inequalities to ensure access to vaccine for all
Honorable Chair and distinguished delegates,
Reducing health inequalities is essential to ensuring everyone has access to life-saving
vaccines. Disparities in healthcare often leave vulnerable groups—such as rural communities,
refugees, and marginalized populations—without access to immunizations. France
emphasizes the importance of concrete actions to address these challenges.
For instance, mobile clinics have proven effective in delivering vaccines to remote regions, as
seen in Madagascar, where mobile health teams reached over 1.2 million people in
underserved areas. Similarly, France supports subsidizing vaccines for low-income nations
through initiatives like Gavi, which has helped immunize nearly 1 billion children globally.
To tackle urban inequities, community-based awareness campaigns have been launched in
areas with low vaccine uptake, ensuring education and trust-building efforts reach the most
disadvantaged. France encourages all nations to adopt such measures, as reducing health
inequalities strengthens our shared global resilience.
Speech for Moderated Caucus Role of International Collaboration in Ensuring Vaccine
Equity
Honorable Chair and esteemed delegates,
International collaboration is the cornerstone of ensuring vaccine equity across the globe. The
success of initiatives like COVAX demonstrates the power of partnerships in delivering
vaccines to low-income countries. For instance, through COVAX, over 1.8 billion doses have
been distributed globally, providing vital protection to underserved populations. France has
contributed significantly to this effort, donating millions of doses and funding vaccine
production in vulnerable regions.
Bilateral and multilateral collaborations are equally vital. France has partnered with African
nations to improve cold chain systems and train healthcare workers, ensuring vaccines reach
even the most remote areas. These actions show that when nations unite, we can overcome
barriers and deliver life-saving immunizations to those who need them most.
Let us continue to prioritize global cooperation to uphold the principle of equitable vaccine
access for all.
Speech for Moderated Caucus Utilizing Technology for More Effective Vaccine Delivery
Systems
Honorable Chair and esteemed delegates,
Technology has the power to revolutionize vaccine delivery systems, ensuring faster and
more efficient access for all. Digital tools like blockchain can enhance transparency in supply
chains, preventing fraud and ensuring the safe delivery of vaccines. Mobile applications have
already demonstrated success in tracking vaccine storage temperatures and alerting healthcare
workers about potential breaches, protecting vaccine efficacy.
France encourages the use of drone technology to deliver vaccines to remote areas, as seen in
Rwanda and Ghana, and the integration of AI-powered platforms to predict demand and
allocate resources efficiently. By embracing technology, we can overcome logistical
challenges and ensure no child is left behind in receiving life-saving vaccines.
Speech for Moderated Caucus improving and investing in infrastructure to deliver vaccine on
time
Honorable Chair and esteemed delegates,
Timely vaccine delivery is only possible when robust infrastructure supports it. However,
many regions, particularly in low-income countries, lack the cold chains, storage facilities,
and transportation systems required for effective vaccine distribution. France emphasizes the
need to invest in sustainable infrastructure, such as solar-powered refrigeration units, which
have proven successful in maintaining vaccine efficacy in rural areas of Mali and Kenya.
Additionally, improved transportation networks, such as drones used in Rwanda to deliver
vaccines to remote regions, demonstrate how innovation can bridge logistical gaps. France
continues to collaborate with international partners to fund and develop these solutions,
ensuring vaccines reach even the most isolated communities. By prioritizing infrastructure,
we can save lives and strengthen global health systems.
