In a significant policy shift, the U.S. government plans to withdraw funding from Gavi, a key organization in global vaccine distribution.
Trump Administration Cuts Support for Vaccine Agency Amid Safety Concerns
Trump Administration Cuts Support for Vaccine Agency Amid Safety Concerns
Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused Gavi of neglecting vaccine safety in a recent announcement.
June 25, 2025 - The U.S. government is set to stop its financial contributions to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as revealed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a recent video address to health leaders in Brussels. Mr. Kennedy expressed sharp criticism of Gavi's handling of vaccine safety issues, claiming that the organization has prioritized public relations over genuine health concerns. He stated that the U.S. would not fulfill a $1.2 billion commitment made by the previous administration unless Gavi reformed its vaccine safety protocols.
In his remarks, Kennedy accused Gavi of being selective with scientific data to promote universal vaccination, implying that this has overshadowed critical vaccine safety discussions. "When vaccine safety issues have come before Gavi, Gavi has treated them not as a patient health problem, but as a public relations problem," he said.
In response to Kennedy's allegations, Gavi's leadership firmly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that their vaccine purchasing decisions are based solely on the best available scientific evidence. The organization is currently in the midst of raising funds from global health ministers to continue its vital work in vaccinating children in underprivileged regions.
This abrupt shift in funding and accusations against Gavi raises significant questions about the future of global vaccination efforts and the U.S.'s role in public health initiatives worldwide.
In his remarks, Kennedy accused Gavi of being selective with scientific data to promote universal vaccination, implying that this has overshadowed critical vaccine safety discussions. "When vaccine safety issues have come before Gavi, Gavi has treated them not as a patient health problem, but as a public relations problem," he said.
In response to Kennedy's allegations, Gavi's leadership firmly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that their vaccine purchasing decisions are based solely on the best available scientific evidence. The organization is currently in the midst of raising funds from global health ministers to continue its vital work in vaccinating children in underprivileged regions.
This abrupt shift in funding and accusations against Gavi raises significant questions about the future of global vaccination efforts and the U.S.'s role in public health initiatives worldwide.
