In a startling move, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed on June 25, 2025, that the United States will cease its financial contributions to Gavi, a global organization dedicated to procuring vaccines for children in underprivileged nations. In a pre-recorded video message aimed at health ministers and leaders convened in Brussels, Kennedy accused Gavi of disregarding scientific evidence about vaccine safety.
During his address, Kennedy argued that Gavi has prioritized public relations over the actual health risks associated with vaccines. "When vaccine safety issues have come before Gavi, Gavi has treated them not as a patient health problem, but as a public relations problem," he charged.
Kennedy's comments come alongside an announcement that the U.S. would not fulfill a $1.2 billion commitment made by the previous Biden administration unless Gavi made adjustments to its operational methods. He emphasized that in its drive for universal vaccination, Gavi has overlooked critical vaccine safety concerns.
In response to Kennedy's accusations, Gavi’s leadership firmly denied any allegations of cherry-picking science, asserting that their vaccine procurement processes are based solely on the best available evidence. The ongoing clash raises questions about the future of international vaccine funding and collaboration as the U.S. government reevaluates its contributions to global health initiatives.
