The United States has announced it is withdrawing funding from the global vaccine alliance Gavi, citing concerns over the organization’s handling of science and public trust.
At a Glance
- U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the withdrawal of U.S. funding from Gavi.
- Kennedy criticized Gavi for “ignoring the science” and “losing the public trust.”
- Gavi is a major global vaccine alliance involving WHO, UNICEF, and others.
- The U.S. had pledged $1 billion to Gavi through 2030 before this decision.
- The British government recently pledged substantial new funding to Gavi.
U.S. Withdraws Funding Over Concerns With Gavi
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared the United States would pull its financial support from the vaccine alliance Gavi, accusing the organization of disregarding scientific evidence and damaging public trust. Kennedy made these remarks in a video shown at a Gavi meeting in Brussels, where the alliance was seeking to raise $9 billion for the next five years, according to the Associated Press.
Kennedy, known for his long-standing vaccine skepticism, criticized Gavi and the World Health Organization for their partnership with social media companies during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he claimed suppressed dissenting opinions and legitimate safety questions.
Watch a report: U.S. Pulls Funding from Global Vaccines Group
Controversies and Criticisms
Kennedy singled out Gavi for “questionable recommendations,” including advising COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women and supporting the rollout of vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis in poorer countries. While Kennedy cited studies alleging higher mortality in vaccinated girls, health authorities including WHO affirm these vaccines have significantly reduced childhood mortality, as explained by WHO.
Gavi responded that its vaccine purchases follow WHO expert recommendations and that its top priority is children’s health and safety. The organization emphasized that scientific data, including any concerns, is carefully reviewed.
International Support and Future Challenges
Despite the U.S. withdrawal, other nations continue to support Gavi. The British government recently pledged £1.25 billion ($1.7 billion) for 2026–2030 to help protect hundreds of millions of children from preventable diseases, as reported by the Associated Press.
Public health experts warn that losing U.S. funding could complicate global immunization efforts, especially in low-income countries facing outbreaks of diseases like measles, polio, and cholera, according to UNICEF.
