U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a significant decision to withdraw American support from the global vaccines alliance Gavi, citing concerns that the organization has ‘ignored the science’ and lost public trust.
This announcement came during a Gavi meeting in Brussels, where the organization aimed to secure $9 billion in funding for its programs over the next five years.
Gavi is a public-private partnership that includes prominent organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, and the World Bank.
Since its inception, Gavi has successfully funded the vaccination of over 1 billion children through routine immunization initiatives, which have reportedly saved an estimated 18 million lives.
The United States has historically been one of Gavi’s largest contributors, having committed $1 billion through 2030 prior to the re-election of President Donald Trump.
During his address, Kennedy emphasized the necessity for Gavi to rebuild public trust and to justify the $8 billion that the United States has provided since 2001.
He asserted that officials at Gavi must prioritize the best available science, even when it challenges established norms.
Kennedy expressed that the U.S. will halt its financial contributions to Gavi until these measures are taken.
The Health Secretary, known for his long-standing skepticism towards vaccines, voiced concerns about Gavi’s collaboration with the WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He claimed that this partnership engaged with social media platforms to silence dissenting opinions and stifle vital questions concerning vaccine safety, particularly during a period when public concern around vaccines was high.
Kennedy criticized Gavi for what he referred to as questionable recommendations, including its advice for pregnant women to receive COVID-19 vaccinations and its support for the rollout of vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis in developing nations.
In contrast, WHO and numerous health authorities recommend COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women, citing an increased risk of severe disease among this group.
Kennedy pointed to research suggesting that young girls vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis had higher mortality rates from all causes compared to non-immunized girls.
While some observational studies offer this finding, there is currently no evidence linking the deaths directly to vaccine administration.
In response to Kennedy’s statements, Gavi reaffirmed its commitment to the health and safety of children, stating that its decisions regarding vaccine purchases are made in accordance with recommendations from WHO’s expert vaccine advisory group.
The organization emphasized that its investments are based on sound medical research and public health needs.
Gavi highlighted that scientists have meticulously reviewed all available data, including studies that raised potential concerns, asserting that the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine has been pivotal in reducing childhood mortality rates.
Furthermore, the British government announced a significant commitment, pledging £1.25 billion ($1.7 billion) to Gavi between 2026 and 2030.
This funding aims to protect up to 500 million children in some of the world’s poorest countries from diseases such as meningitis, cholera, and measles.
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