Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the withdrawal of U.S. financial support from the international vaccine agency Gavi, claiming the organization has overlooked crucial science regarding vaccine safety. Gavi leaders refuted his statements and asserted their commitment to evidence-based practices.
Trump Administration Halts Funding for Global Vaccine Initiative
Trump Administration Halts Funding for Global Vaccine Initiative
The U.S. health secretary accuses Gavi of ignoring scientific data on vaccine safety.
In a striking move, the United States government announced it will cease financial contributions to Gavi, a global organization dedicated to providing vaccines to children in developing nations. This decision, articulated by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., comes with serious allegations against Gavi, asserting that they have "ignored the science" in their vaccination strategies.
In a prerecorded video message directed to health ministers and leaders gathered in Brussels for a fundraising event on Gavi's behalf, Kennedy stated, “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 highlighted what he termed a selective use of science by Gavi in their vaccine-related decisions, calling for significant changes in their processes.
Kennedy's announcement implicates the United States' failure to fulfill a previously pledged $1.2 billion commitment made by the Biden administration until Gavi acknowledges and rectifies its handling of vaccine safety. “In its zeal to promote universal vaccination, it has neglected the key issue of vaccine safety,” he emphasized.
In response, Gavi's leaders firmly rejected Kennedy's claims, insisting their vaccine purchases are based solely on the best available scientific evidence. The agency argued that their approach is rooted in a commitment to ensuring the health and safety of children worldwide, countering the narrative put forth by the U.S. health secretary. As the international health community watches this situation unfold, the larger implications for global vaccination efforts hang in the balance.
In a prerecorded video message directed to health ministers and leaders gathered in Brussels for a fundraising event on Gavi's behalf, Kennedy stated, “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 highlighted what he termed a selective use of science by Gavi in their vaccine-related decisions, calling for significant changes in their processes.
Kennedy's announcement implicates the United States' failure to fulfill a previously pledged $1.2 billion commitment made by the Biden administration until Gavi acknowledges and rectifies its handling of vaccine safety. “In its zeal to promote universal vaccination, it has neglected the key issue of vaccine safety,” he emphasized.
In response, Gavi's leaders firmly rejected Kennedy's claims, insisting their vaccine purchases are based solely on the best available scientific evidence. The agency argued that their approach is rooted in a commitment to ensuring the health and safety of children worldwide, countering the narrative put forth by the U.S. health secretary. As the international health community watches this situation unfold, the larger implications for global vaccination efforts hang in the balance.
