The United States will suspend future funding to Gavi, the global vaccine alliance that provides life-saving immunizations to the world’s poorest children, citing unproven safety concerns, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Wednesday.
In a video message aired during Gavi’s major fundraising summit in Brussels, Kennedy — a long-time vaccine skeptic — criticized the alliance for allegedly ignoring vaccine safety, particularly in its handling of COVID-19 recommendations and use of the DTPw (diphtheria-tetanus-whole cell pertussis) vaccine. However, he provided no scientific evidence to support these claims.
“Until Gavi considers all available science and re-earns public trust, the United States will not contribute further funding,” Kennedy said. He also questioned how the organization has used the $8 billion in U.S. support since 2001.
Gavi quickly responded, defending its track record and commitment to science-based decisions. “Safety is our top priority. We act in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines,” the organization said in a statement, adding that the DTPw vaccine has played a vital role in reducing child mortality by half in supported countries since 2000.
Gavi emphasized its ongoing commitment to evidence-based health interventions and welcomed scrutiny. “We fully concur with the Secretary on the need to consider all available science,” the statement read.
Despite Kennedy’s criticism, he acknowledged Gavi’s positive impact in making vaccines more affordable around the globe. “Unfortunately, in its zeal to promote universal vaccination, it has neglected the key issue of safety,” he claimed.
Global health leaders and major donors at the Brussels summit—including Gavi Chair Jose Manuel Barroso and Bill Gates, co-hosting the event through the Gates Foundation and the European Union—strongly defended the organization’s approach.
“Gavi prioritizes saving lives, and it does so with scientific rigor,” Gates stated. “We’re constantly reviewing safety.”
Gavi is aiming to raise $9 billion to fund its programs from 2026 to 2030. Several donors, including Germany, Norway, and the Gates Foundation, have already pledged support.
Meanwhile, U.S. Senate hearings continued in Washington, where Susan Monarez, nominee for CDC Director, was asked about the funding cut. “Global health preparedness is vital,” she said, adding she supports vaccine promotion but had no involvement in the decision and would look into it if confirmed.
The Trump administration had earlier proposed reducing Gavi funding—roughly $300 million annually—as part of a broader retreat from international aid.
