GAVI waives refund claim against Nepal

Kathmandu: The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) has decided not to seek a refund of 308,271 US dollars from Nepal.

The Ministry of Health and Food Safety said the amount will instead be adjusted against future financial assistance Nepal is set to receive under the GAVI 6.0 support programme. The decision followed discussions between Health and Food Safety Minister Nisha Mehta and GAVI officials during the World Health Assembly, as well as subsequent correspondence and a proposal submitted by Nepal.

GAVI had requested the refund after special audits conducted in 2022 and 2024 reviewed programmes implemented with its support. The organisation had formally sought Nepal’s repayment plan in November 2024.

According to the Ministry, GAVI accepted Nepal’s proposal to adjust the amount from future grants instead of requiring a direct refund. The alliance also commended Nepal’s commitment to its national immunisation programme, improvements in financial management and implementation of audit recommendations.

The Ministry said the decision will strengthen Nepal’s long-standing partnership with GAVI and help ensure the sustainability of the country’s immunisation and public health programmes.