The Trump administration is preparing to halt funding for Gavi, the global organization that provides vaccine aid to developing countries, according to a report by The New York Times published on Wednesday.
On Monday night, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the government agency responsible for international aid, submitted a 281-page document to the U.S. Congress. The document outlines the decision to cut funding.
According to the spreadsheet attached, since the Trump administration took office two months ago, funding has been terminated for 5,340 international sectors and organizations, while support continues for 900 sectors and organizations. Gavi is among those affected by the funding cuts.
The announcement of USAID’s funding halt has raised concerns at Gavi. In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, Gavi stated, “U.S. assistance is crucial for us. We have set a goal to provide vaccines to 80 million children worldwide over the next five years. Without U.S. support, achieving this target will not be possible.”
William Moss, Executive Director of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, expressed disappointment over Washington’s decision. He said, “In recent years, Gavi has made remarkable achievements. Due to Gavi’s vaccination programs, death rates from preventable diseases have significantly decreased in many countries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gavi also provided vital vaccine aid to many poor and developing nations. The sudden withdrawal of U.S. aid will be a major blow to this sector.”
In addition to cutting Gavi’s funding, the Trump administration has also ended support for international malaria eradication programs. However, USAID confirmed that assistance for HIV, tuberculosis treatment, and food aid will continue.