The United States will halt financial contributions to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, citing concerns over vaccine safety and transparency, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Wednesday. The decision was delivered in a recorded video message played during Gavi’s pledging summit in Brussels and later confirmed by Reuters.
Kennedy, a long-standing critic of vaccines, accused the global health initiative of overlooking safety issues, particularly in relation to its COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and the DTPw (diphtheria-tetanus-whole cell pertussis) vaccine. He provided no supporting data for these claims.
“Gavi must re-earn the public trust and justify the $8 billion the U.S. has contributed since 2001,” Kennedy stated. “Until that happens, the United States won’t contribute more.”
His remarks, first reported by Politico, come as Gavi seeks to raise $9 billion to fund its vaccine programs for 2026–2030.
Gavi Responds, Defends Scientific Standards
In response, Gavi reaffirmed its commitment to scientific integrity and vaccine safety. “Safety is central to our work, and we operate in full alignment with World Health Organization guidance,” the alliance said in a statement. It defended the DTPw vaccine, noting it has played a vital role in halving child mortality rates in supported countries since 2000.
“Gavi fully concurs with the U.S. Secretary’s call to consider all available science and remains committed to an evidence-based approach, as it always has,” the statement added.
Summit Voices Rally Around Gavi
The Brussels summit brought together Gavi’s leadership, donor governments, and global health advocates to secure multi-year pledges. Despite the U.S. withdrawal, key stakeholders including Germany, Norway, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation reaffirmed their financial commitments.
Gavi Board Chair José Manuel Barroso and Gates both addressed vaccine safety concerns during the summit.
“Gavi prioritizes saving lives, and it does so with scientific rigor,” Gates said. “We are constantly reviewing safety data and improving transparency.”
Kennedy acknowledged Gavi’s role in increasing access to affordable vaccines, but argued that its focus on universal immunization had come at the expense of rigorous safety scrutiny.
Uncertainty Over Future U.S. Role
The move marks a significant shift in U.S. global health policy. Under previous administrations, the U.S. contributed roughly $300 million annually to Gavi. The Trump administration had also considered reducing international aid, including funding for Gavi.
At a Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday, Dr. Susan Monarez—President Trump’s nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—was asked about the decision.
“I believe global health preparedness is critical,” Monarez said. “We must continue to support vaccination programs.” She added that she was not involved in the Gavi funding decision and would review the matter if confirmed.
The long-term implications of the U.S. withdrawal remain unclear, but Gavi’s leadership maintains that global support for its mission remains strong.
