The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi) has appointed Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, as its new Board Chair.
Clark’s appointment was announced on October 6, 2025, as part of Gavi’s renewed push to strengthen global immunisation programs. She succeeds José Manuel Barroso, former EU Commission President, whose tenure focused on COVID-19 vaccine rollouts.
Gavi officials praised Clark’s long-standing leadership in global health and development. During her tenure as head of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), she spearheaded initiatives on poverty reduction and public health.
Her immediate focus will be expanding vaccine access in low- and middle-income countries, combating outbreaks of measles, rubella, and polio, and improving supply chain resilience.
Health experts note that her appointment comes at a critical time, as immunisation gaps have widened due to pandemic disruptions, conflicts, and vaccine hesitancy.
