Former Irish president Mary Robinson has been elected chairwoman of the board of a group that buys vaccines for the world's poorest children.
Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) makes advance commitments to purchase vaccines and then helps poor governments obtain, store and distribute them. GAVI is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and several UN agencies.
Ms Robinson, who was appointed to the position on Tuesday, has retained a high international profile by promoting action against cancer and climate change.
The former UN high commissioner for human rights said life-saving immunisations needed to remain a priority for donor governments in spite of the brewing financial crisis.
"As the global economy enters into a period of recession, it will be our challenge to stay focused on reaching the Millennium Development Goals, through increasing the positive impact that immunisation provides on people's lives," Ms Robinson said, referring to UN targets that include reducing child mortality.
The World Health Organisation estimates its programmes have helped immunise 213 million children and prevented 3.4 million future deaths from diseases preventable through vaccines.
Reuters