LONDON — In a dramatic policy shift, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the United States is suspending future contributions to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, citing what he described as the organization’s failure to uphold scientific integrity and public trust.
Kennedy’s remarks came via a pre-recorded video shown Wednesday during Gavi’s pledging conference in Brussels. The meeting marked a crucial fundraising effort for the alliance, which aimed to secure $9 billion in commitments to fund global vaccination efforts over the next five years.
Gavi, founded in 2000, is a prominent public-private partnership supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the World Bank, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The alliance has been credited with vaccinating over 1 billion children in low- and middle-income countries, reportedly saving an estimated 18 million lives.
Kennedy Cites “Broken Trust” and Pandemic-era Decisions
Kennedy, a long-standing critic of certain vaccine policies, criticized Gavi for “ignoring the best available science” and aligning with what he called “censorship efforts” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He alleged that Gavi, alongside WHO, worked with social media platforms to suppress dissent and critical questions about vaccines. “Free speech was silenced, and the scientific method was sidelined,” Kennedy said. “That’s not how trust is built in a democracy.”
Kennedy specifically objected to Gavi’s support of COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women, and its continued funding of combination vaccines like DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) in developing nations. He referenced research that suggested higher mortality in vaccinated girls—a claim public health experts have repeatedly challenged as misinterpreted or unsupported by causal data.
Gavi Defends Its Mission and Scientific Rigor
In response, Gavi issued a firm statement defending its practices. “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of children,” the organization said, adding that all vaccine decisions are based on WHO recommendations and expert review.
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Gavi reaffirmed that its support for combination vaccines like DTP is rooted in decades of data and scientific consensus, noting these immunizations have helped cut childhood mortality rates in half in many countries.
The WHO has consistently advised that pregnant women receive COVID-19 vaccines, particularly due to their elevated risk for severe illness. WHO and other global health agencies maintain that combination vaccines are safe, effective, and essential in combating deadly childhood diseases.
Global Support Continues Despite U.S. Exit
Despite the U.S. decision, Gavi’s efforts continue to draw strong backing from other global leaders. The United Kingdom pledged £1.25 billion ($1.7 billion) to Gavi for the 2026–2030 cycle, with officials stating the funding will help protect up to 500 million children from life-threatening diseases like measles, cholera, and meningitis.
“We see vaccines as one of the most cost-effective health interventions in history,” said a spokesperson for the UK Department of Health and Social Care. “Our support for Gavi reflects our ongoing commitment to global health security.”
Political Ramifications and Next Steps
The U.S. had previously committed $1 billion to Gavi through 2030 under former President Donald Trump’s administration. However, the decision to withdraw that support now introduces uncertainty into the future of America’s role in global vaccine diplomacy.
Critics say the move could damage U.S. standing in global health circles and weaken international cooperation during potential future pandemics.
But Kennedy remained firm, insisting that unless Gavi “re-commits to transparency and evidence-based policy,” no further American funding should be expected.
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Looking Ahead: Trust vs. Science?
This withdrawal reignites a long-simmering global debate: how to balance transparency, scientific consensus, and public trust in a world still grappling with pandemic aftershocks. Whether Gavi can maintain momentum without U.S. backing remains to be seen.
Yet its supporters remain optimistic. “Science doesn’t bend to politics,” said one Gavi board member. “We’ll continue doing what the data and decades of experience tell us: vaccines save lives.”
