People I (Mostly) Admire 166. The World’s Most Effective Public Health Intervention Is Under Attack
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Sep 13, 2025 
Seth Berkley, an esteemed epidemiologist from Brown University and former leader at Gavi, discusses the vital role of vaccines in public health and their economic benefits, saving millions of lives. He highlights the challenges of vaccine development and the alarming misinformation threatening public trust. Berkley emphasizes the urgent need for better public health preparedness and the complexities of maintaining vaccine quality. With personal anecdotes, he underscores the importance of proactive strategies to combat skepticism and ensure effective vaccination in the face of ongoing debates.
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Scale And Impact Of Gavi
- Gavi vaccinated over 1.1 billion additional children and is credited with saving more than 20 million lives.
- It provides vaccines to ~60% of the world's children and holds epidemic stockpiles to prevent outbreaks.
Extreme Cost Efficiency Of Bulk Buying
- The WHO's 11 recommended vaccines cost about $24 per child through Gavi's procurement model.
- The same schedule in the U.S. costs roughly $1,300, showing massive price reductions via pooled buying.
Vaccines' Massive Return On Investment
- Every dollar invested in vaccines returns about $21 in direct benefits and up to $54 including broader health gains.
- Vaccines provide an unmatched cost-benefit in healthcare and form the base of health systems.