The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) has refunded nearly $2 million to Bosnia and Herzegovina for COVID-19 vaccines that were never delivered, marking the end of a two-year legal effort, according to the country’s Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Minister Dubravka Bosnjak, representing the HDZ BiH, stated that the reimbursement was achieved following complex legal procedures and negotiations. The Ministry collaborated with Bosnia's Office of the Attorney General, along with institutions in the entities and Brcko District, to resolve the issue with GAVI.

“This refund is a significant step in closing this chapter,” Bosnjak said.

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the World Health Organization's initiative to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. The country ordered 1,232,000 doses through GAVI’s global platform but received only 332,640 doses—just 27% of the requested amount.

The vaccine delivery delays led to supply challenges and added strain on the health system, prompting Bosnia to seek a refund for the undelivered vaccines. The reimbursement includes a discount on vaccines from the manufacturer Novavax, accrued interest, and unused operational costs.

After lengthy negotiations, the Ministry of Civil Affairs secured a one-time repayment to BiH. The funds will be distributed among the entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, and Brcko District, who initially funded the vaccine procurement and oversee healthcare.

GAVI, a public-private alliance, aims to improve vaccine access in low-income countries and played a crucial role in COVID-19 vaccine procurement worldwide.