The United States government, under President Donald Trump, has announced plans to withdraw funding for Gavi, the Global Vaccine Alliance, which plays a pivotal role in expanding immunization access and improving public health worldwide. According to a document from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) shared with Congress earlier this week, Gavi is among several international aid programs that will face cuts as part of broader restructuring efforts.
The document reveals that a total of 5,341 international aid awards will be cancelled, amounting to nearly $76 billion in reductions. While approximately $48 billion of this sum has already been committed, the Trump administration has made it clear that it intends to continue funding for certain health initiatives, including HIV and tuberculosis treatments and food aid programs for countries affected by civil conflicts and natural disasters.
Gavi, which receives approximately $300 million annually from the U.S., has warned that this funding cut could have dire consequences for global public health. Dr. Sania Nishtar, the alliance’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the potential impact, stating that without continued U.S. support, 1.2 million deaths could occur over the next five years. She added that children in vulnerable regions would be left exposed to preventable diseases like measles and diphtheria.
In response, Nishtar and Gavi’s board chair, José Manuel Barroso, are scheduled to visit Washington next week in an effort to lobby for continued U.S. funding. Nishtar described Gavi as a "best buy" in global health, citing its role in saving children's lives and strengthening global health security.
Beyond routine immunization, Gavi also maintains emergency vaccine stockpiles for outbreaks of diseases such as Ebola and yellow fever. The alliance is also committed to helping countries transition away from donor dependence as their economies grow.
On her official social media account, Nishtar reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between Gavi and the U.S., stating, "Together, we have helped cut child mortality in half, immunized an entire generation of children, and helped keep our world safe." She also stressed Gavi's commitment to securing new funding and immunizing an additional 500 million children over the next five years.
As the situation continues to unfold, the potential defunding of Gavi raises serious concerns about the future of global vaccination efforts and the protection of millions of vulnerable children around the world.
