Words by Jade Williams
Robert F. Kennedy Jr, US Health and Human Services Secretary, has announced that the US plans to stop its financial contributions to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The decision ends an over 20-year partnership in which the US has supported Gavi’s immunisation campaigns in several low-income countries.
Kennedy raised concerns about Gavi’s decisions during the pandemic and questioned the safety profile of the diphtheria-tetanus-whole cell pertussis (DTPw) vaccine. However, no new data or evidence accompanied the claims.
“I call on Gavi today to re-earn the public trust and to justify the $8bn that America has provided in funding since 2001,” said Kennedy in a pre-recorded message aired at a Gavi fundraising event. “Until that happens, the United States won’t contribute more.”
These statements mark a stark departure from previous support for Gavi in the US. In 2024, it is estimated that the country gave $300m to finance its activities. The organisation has administered over one billion vaccine doses globally since its conception as part of its humanitarian efforts.
Since taking office, Kennedy, a long-time vaccine sceptic, has made sweeping changes to the US vaccine landscape. Earlier this month, he dismissed all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices , replacing them with a smaller cohort – some of which are considered to be vaccine-sceptics.
Gavi responded to the cessation of funding with a detailed statement, reaffirming its alignment with World Health Organization guidance and reiterating confidence in its vaccine portfolio, including the DTPw vaccine. “The DTPw vaccine has been administered to millions of children around the world for decades and is estimated to have saved more than 40 million lives over the past 50 years,” the organisation stated. “Based on a full assessment of the science available, Gavi continues to have full confidence in the DTPw vaccine. As an important element in our routine vaccine portfolio, it has played a key role in helping halve childhood mortality in Gavi-supported countries since 2000.”
Despite the unfolding situation, Gavi’s statement ended with a positive, forward-looking note, expressing that they “look forward to further engagement and to a continued partnership with the US government”. However, it remains uncertain whether the current administration does intend to renew its partnership later down the line.
