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Published on The Communication Initiative Network (http://www.comminit.com)

GAVI Advocacy & Communication Task Force (ACTF) - Global


Programme Summary: 
The mission of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisations (GAVI) Advocacy and Communication Task Force (ACTF) is to facilitate the achievement of GAVI Milestones by strengthening advocacy and communication support for immunisation at global, regional, and country levels. GAVI created the Advocacy Task Force (now called the Advocacy and Communication Task Force or ACTF) in 1999.

The ACTF provides leadership in promoting immunisation as one of the most cost-effective primary health interventions and is responsive to regional and country needs for advocacy and communication support. Like other GAVI Task Forces, the ACTF adds value by coordinating partner assistance to immunisation programmes and facilitating communication and resource-sharing among partners.
Communication Strategies: 

The overall ACTF is chaired by UNICEF and is organised into two sub-groups:

  • The Sub-Group for Global Advocacy (SGA), chaired by UNICEF, provides communication and advocacy support to GAVI's objectives at a global level. The central aim of all work of the SGA is to build long-term commitment of client governments and donors to full immunisation. Resource mobilisation, including donations to The Vaccine Fund, and increased support to country immunisation efforts, is a key interest of the SGA. The SGA operates in close association with the GAVI Financing Task Force (FTF).
  • The Country Support Sub-Group (CSS), chaired by CVP/PATH, serves and supports National Inter-Agency Coordinating Committees (ICCs) and Regional Working Groups (RWGs) in the areas of immunisation advocacy and communication. It operates in close association with the GAVI Implementation Task Force (ITF) and its sub-groups.

Development Issues: 

Immunisation & Vaccines.

Key Points: 

All ACTF activities are positioned in the context of the Millennium Development Goals and other global initiatives.

ACTF Objectives:

  1. Provide leadership in promoting immunisation as a centerpiece in international development efforts
  2. Advocate for financial sustainability for immunisation programmes, and for investment in development of vaccines most needed in developing countries
  3. Assess regional and country needs in advocacy and communication for immunisation
  4. Facilitate provision of advocacy/communication/training tools and technical assistance to regions and countries and monitor progress
  5. Work closely with and in support of other GAVI Task Forces, Action Groups, and Regional Working Groups

Partner Text: 

As of January 2003, membership of the ACTF included:

  • Heidi Larson (UNICEF), Chair of the ACTF and Chair of the SGA
  • Scott Wittet (CVP/PATH) ,Co-Chair of the ACTF and Chair of the CSS
  • Sara Cameron (UNICEF), ACTF Coordinator



  • Rebecca Fields (AED/USAID)
  • Chris Thomas (USAID)
  • Jacqueline Fuller (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
  • Judy Graeff (UNICEF)
  • Phil Hay (World Bank)
  • Annemarie Hou (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
  • Nancy Ives (Vaccine Fund)
  • Lisa Jacobs (GAVI Secretariat)
  • Mohammad Jalloh (UNICEF)
  • Grace Kagondu (WHO/AFRO)
  • Jacqueline Keith (Wyeth)
  • Heidi Lasher (CVP/PATH)

  • Susan Mackay (WHO)

  • George Soule (Rockefeller Foundation)
  • Steven Stewart (CDC)

Contact Info: 
Rinal Gill, UNICEF
As of January 2003, membership of the ACTF included: Heidi Larson (UNICEF), Chair of the ACTF and Chair of the SGA Scott W
Source URL:
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/119010