A vaccine group has been left shocked and crying foul after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a massive cut in federal money.
Specifically, the secretary slashed funding to the global vaccine group Gavi for “ignoring science” and concerns about vaccine safety.
Kennedy terminated U.S. support for the organization that has received $8 billion in American taxpayer money since 2001, demanding accountability before further funding.
The secretary made the announcement in a video speech presented at a Gavi summit in Brussels.
The organization had hoped to leverage the event in its favor to raise $9 billion for the next five years of operations.
Kennedy did not mince words about why he pulled the plug on the funding. “When the science was inconvenient, Gavi ignored the science.”
“I call on Gavi today to re-earn the public trust and to justify the $8 billion that America has provided in funding since 2001,” Kennedy stated firmly.
The decision represents a significant blow to Gavi, as the United States was its largest donor.
It has contributed about $5 billion, nearly double what the United Kingdom, the second-largest donor, has provided.
The U.S. had previously pledged another $1 billion through 2030 before Kennedy’s intervention.
Kennedy specifically criticized Gavi for downplaying legitimate vaccine safety concerns in poor communities around the world.
He also slammed the group for pushing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations without proper safety considerations.
This aligns with concerns many Americans have had about global health organizations prioritizing pharmaceutical interests over public health.
Kennedy’s move comes as part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy of withdrawing American support from international organizations that fail to serve American interests or uphold proper scientific standards.
The administration has also withdrawn from the World Health Organization and several UN agencies that have proven wasteful or ineffective.
In response, the medical establishment has reacted with alarm. Renowned vaccine advocate Dr. Paul Offit called the decision “incredibly dangerous.”
Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders warned of “preventable child deaths.”
Gavi has responded defensively, stating its programs align with World Health Organization recommendations and are evidence-based.
Kennedy’s decision coincided with the first meeting of his reconstituted U.S. vaccine advisory panel, which now includes several experts who have questioned vaccine safety protocols.
The secretary has long advocated for greater vaccine safety research through his organization Children’s Health Defense.
Now in a position of authority, Kennedy is finally able to demand accountability and scientific integrity regarding vaccine programs both domestically and internationally.
Until Gavi can demonstrate proper scientific rigor and transparency regarding vaccine safety, American taxpayers will no longer be footing the bill for its global initiatives.
