Summary
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the United States would stop funding Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, unless it addresses concerns about vaccine safety. Gavi responded by rejecting Kennedy's claims, emphasizing that its decisions are based on scientific recommendations aimed at child safety and health.
Key Facts
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary.
- Kennedy stated the U.S. will halt funding to Gavi over vaccine safety concerns.
- Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is an international group that helps provide vaccines worldwide.
- Gavi claims to have vaccinated 1.1 billion children and saved 20 million lives since 2000.
- The U.S. has been a significant donor to Gavi, contributing about 13% of its budget.
- Under the Biden Administration, the U.S. pledged $2.53 billion to Gavi until 2030.
- Gavi asserts its practices align with guidelines from independent experts and the World Health Organization.
- Concerns exist that cutting funding could affect vaccine distribution in low-resource countries.
