Robert F. Kennedy Jr. withdraws U.S. funding from global vaccine organization, citing disregard for scientific evidence.
In a significant shift in U.S. public health policy, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the federal government intends to withdraw financial support from the global vaccines alliance, Gavi. During a presentation at a Gavi meeting in Brussels, Kennedy criticized the organization for allegedly disregarding scientific evidence and failing to maintain public trust in its vaccination programs. Gavi, which has facilitated immunizations for over one billion children worldwide, is seeking to raise billion to continue its efforts over the next five years.
Kennedy’s address included pointed critiques of Gavi’s collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) during the COVID-19 pandemic. He accused them of suppressing dissenting opinions and legitimate inquiries regarding vaccine safety, specifically questioning the safety of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine—a vaccine that health authorities globally regard as safe and effective.
In response to these allegations, Gavi reaffirmed its commitment to child health and safety, stating that all vaccine procurement decisions are based on guidance from WHO’s expert advisory group. The organization highlighted the public health implications of its initiatives, emphasizing that its vaccination campaigns have saved an estimated 18 million lives to date.
Some medical professionals have expressed alarm over the U.S. decision to cease funding Gavi. Paul Offit, the director of the Vaccine Center at Philadelphia’s Children’s Hospital, characterized Kennedy’s stance as “incredibly dangerous,” cautioning that defunding vaccination programs would leave millions of children susceptible to infectious diseases.
Historically, the U.S. has been a major supporter of Gavi, pledging billion through 2030 prior to the recent announcement. In his address, Kennedy challenged Gavi to validate the substantial financial contributions the United States has made since 2001, which have exceeded billion.
Kennedy’s speech coincided with the initial meeting of a reconstituted U.S. vaccine advisory panel, which he has previously altered to include more vaccine skeptics, suggesting a broader shift in the nation’s approach to vaccination policies. This decision marks a pivotal moment in U.S. public health strategy amid growing concerns regarding childhood immunization rates and ongoing debates about vaccine safety.
Offit and other health experts argue that Kennedy’s approach could severely undermine global vaccination efforts and enhance the risk of disease resurgence, particularly in a post-pandemic landscape. The implications of these policy shifts may reverberate beyond national borders, affecting global health security.
For more information on Gavi’s initiatives and the ongoing global vaccination efforts, visit the organization’s website.
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