U.S. to Halt Funding for Global Vaccine Alliance Gavi, Citing Safety Concerns

U.S. to Halt Funding for Global Vaccine Alliance Gavi, Citing Safety Concerns
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U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Wednesday that the United States will cease funding Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, citing concerns over vaccine safety—though he provided no supporting evidence, Reuters reported.

In a video message shown at Gavi’s fundraising summit in Brussels, Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, criticized Gavi’s stance on COVID-19 vaccines and raised questions about the safety of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTPw) vaccine.

Gavi responded, emphasizing its commitment to safety and science-based practices aligned with World Health Organization recommendations. The alliance defended the DTPw vaccine, crediting it with helping to halve child mortality rates in supported countries since 2000.

Kennedy acknowledged Gavi’s role in improving global access to medicine but urged the organization to rebuild public trust. Gavi aims to raise $9 billion for its 2026–2030 programs during the summit. The Gates Foundation and the European Union co-hosted the event, where leaders reaffirmed their support for Gavi’s mission and safety standards.