The Trump administration has reversed its decision to withhold $600 million in congressionally appropriated funds for global vaccine efforts, citing safety concerns raised by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The funds will now be immediately released to support vaccine programs for the world's poorest countries.
US Reverses Decision to Withhold Vaccine Funds
The U.S. State Department said the decision to release funds was taken after Gavi, a global alliance based in Geneva, committed to transitioning away from vaccines that include a mercury-based preservative. Gavi's chief executive, Sania Nishtar, had announced the move the previous month, saying the organization was shifting away from vaccines that included the preservative.
Gavi is a key player in helping the world's poorest countries buy vaccines to protect children from diseases such as measles and diphtheria. The US had previously contributed around 13% of Gavi's funding, but withheld the funds over unsubstantiated safety concerns raised by Kennedy. The decision had left Gavi scrambling to address a significant shortfall in funding.
Gavi's Commitment to Mercury-Free Vaccines
The U.S. State Department said it expects Gavi to "work towards transitioning mercury-containing vaccines and expanding access to newer, mercury-free alternatives." This commitment was a key factor in the decision to release the withheld funds. Gavi has already begun implementing cost-cutting measures to address the funding shortfall, which has been exacerbated by cuts from other high-income nations.
Representatives for Gavi did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the decision to release the funds. However, the move is seen as a significant step towards rebuilding the US-Gavi partnership, which had been strained due to the safety concerns raised by Kennedy.
The Role of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been a long-time vocal critic of vaccines, and has claimed that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative used in some vaccines, is linked to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite numerous studies showing no related safety issues, Kennedy has continued to raise concerns about the use of thimerosal in vaccines.
The U.S. previously contributed around $300 million a year to Gavi, but withheld the funds in June 2025 after Kennedy raised concerns about Gavi's handling of vaccine safety. The decision to release the funds now suggests that the US is willing to work with Gavi to address these concerns and ensure the safe delivery of vaccines to the world's poorest countries.
What's Next for US-Gavi Partnership?
The decision to release the withheld funds is a significant development in the US-Gavi partnership. The US expects to resume its place on the Gavi board and will evaluate any future US support to the group based on "demonstrated performance, accountability, and implementation" of reforms. This suggests that the US is willing to work closely with Gavi to ensure that the organization is meeting its commitments to vaccine safety and access.
Source: Joy Online
