United States funding for Gavi vaccine alliance

The United States government announced the immediate release of $600 million in congressionally appropriated funds to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, covering fiscal years 2025 and 2026. This funding had previously been withheld following safety concerns raised by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The release of funds follows directives from President Donald Trump for Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary Kennedy to engage with Gavi to secure specific reforms. A central component of the agreement involves Gavi’s commitment to transitioning from mercury-containing vaccines to mercury-free alternatives as suitable options become available.

While the U.S. intends to resume its seat on the Gavi board and evaluate future support based on performance and accountability, the administration reaffirmed it will not provide government funding to the World Health Organization through Gavi. The State Department noted that the transition to new vaccine formulations will require manufacturers to expand production capacity and for recipient countries to adopt the newer alternatives to align with “Gold Standard Science and transparency.”