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By Mary Mwendwa
Nairobi, Kenya: Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, recently announced that the Rt. Honourable Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, has been unanimously appointed as the new Chair of its Board. Clark, a renowned global leader in international development, will take the helm in January 2026, succeeding Professor José Manuel Barroso as Gavi embarks on its next strategic period.
Clark brings a formidable record of leadership to the role, having served three consecutive terms as Prime Minister of New Zealand and two terms as Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme. Her appointment follows an extensive eight-month global search that considered 240 candidates.
In her statement, Clark embraced the challenge ahead: “The coming years will bring many challenges for Gavi, but also huge opportunities, and I am excited to play a role in helping it meet its most ambitious goals yet. I am also honoured to succeed José Manuel, who has led Gavi for the past five years.”
Professor Barroso’s tenure from 2021 to 2025 was defined by navigating the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Gavi helped deliver two billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines. His leadership also saw the historic introduction of malaria vaccines, a dramatic scale-up of HPV immunisation, and critical progress in reaching zero-dose children.
“I look back with pride, but I can also look forward with confidence,” said José Manuel Barroso. “Helen has an excellent track record as a leader and as a champion of global health, development, and many other issues central to Gavi’s mission.”
Clark will guide the Alliance at a pivotal moment, as it launches its new five-year strategy focused on strengthening immunisation in fragile and conflict-affected regions and implementing the Gavi Leap reforms to centre country ownership and partnership.
Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, welcomed the incoming Chair: “Helen is a respected global leader whose knowledge and experience will be of tremendous value to Gavi as we navigate our next strategic period. I am delighted to welcome her as our next Chair of the Board.”
Dr. Nishtar also expressed her sincere appreciation to Professor Barroso, stating, “José Manuel leaves Gavi in an excellent position to address the challenges ahead, and we are grateful that he will continue to be a friend and supporter.”
