The United States, through Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced it will stop financial support to Gavi, the global vaccine alliance that provides vaccines to the world’s poorest children.
Kennedy accused Gavi of ignoring vaccine safety and making questionable COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, though he did not provide evidence to support these claims.
Kennedy’s statement was delivered via a pre-recorded video at a Gavi fundraising summit in Brussels, where the alliance seeks to raise $9 billion for 2026-2030.
He urged Gavi to “re-earn the public trust” and justify the $8 billion the US has contributed since 2001, emphasizing that the US will withhold further funds until Gavi seriously considers all scientific evidence, even if it challenges established views.
Gavi strongly rejected the accusations, affirming that vaccine safety is a top priority and that its decisions follow World Health Organization guidelines and independent scientific review.
The organization highlighted the proven impact of vaccines like DTPw, which has helped halve child mortality in supported countries since 2000.
This move follows previous US administrations’ efforts to reduce funding for Gavi, raising concerns among global health experts about the potential impact on vaccination efforts in under-resourced nations.
Other donors such as Germany, Norway, and the Gates Foundation have pledged support for Gavi’s future work, underscoring the alliance’s critical role in global child health.
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