The United States, under President Donald Trump, has announced plans to end funding for Gavi, the global vaccine alliance that works to improve immunization access and public health worldwide.
A recent document from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), shared with Congress this week, shows that Gavi is among the international aid programs being defunded. Reuters reports that this is part of a broader reorganization of U.S. foreign aid initiatives.
The document reveals that over 5,300 awards will be terminated, totaling nearly $76 billion in cuts, with about $48 billion already committed by the U.S. government. However, the administration has stated it will continue supporting HIV and tuberculosis treatment programs, as well as food assistance for nations affected by conflict and natural disasters.
A State Department spokesperson clarified that each program was individually reviewed to ensure alignment with U.S. national interests, and only those deemed essential would continue.
Gavi, which receives roughly $300 million annually from the U.S., has warned that this funding cut could lead to tragic outcomes, including 1.2 million deaths over the next five years. Gavi’s CEO, Dr. Sania Nishtar, emphasized that the loss of U.S. support would make children more susceptible to preventable diseases like measles and diphtheria.
Dr. Nishtar and Gavi’s board chair, José Manuel Barroso, are scheduled to visit Washington next week to advocate for continued U.S. funding. “We hope a final decision has not yet been made,” she said, underscoring Gavi’s vital role in global health efforts.
In addition to routine immunizations, Gavi maintains emergency vaccine stockpiles for diseases like Ebola and yellow fever. The alliance also supports countries in reducing their reliance on donor funding as their economies grow.
Through her official X handle, Dr. Nishtar highlighted the U.S. as one of Gavi’s “oldest and most committed partners,” noting the significant progress made in reducing child mortality and providing immunization to generations. She also reaffirmed Gavi’s goal to secure new funding to immunize an additional 500 million children over the next five years.
“With your support, Gavi will continue to protect global health,” she stated, emphasizing the substantial return on investment for donors.
