The U.S. government has announced a withdrawal of its financial support to Gavi after claims that the organization has neglected vaccine safety in favor of promotion.
U.S. Cuts Funding to Global Vaccine Efforts, Citing Safety Concerns
U.S. Cuts Funding to Global Vaccine Efforts, Citing Safety Concerns
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces withdrawal of funds from Gavi amid safety accusations.
The article text:
In a significant policy shift, the United States has decided to cut its financial backing for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which plays a crucial role in immunizing children in low-income countries. This decision was articulated by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, who accused the organization of disregarding scientific evidence regarding vaccine safety in a pre-recorded video message.
During his address, which was intended for a meeting in Brussels of health ministers and other officials focused on funding Gavi's endeavors, Kennedy expressed his displeasure with Gavi’s approach to vaccine safety, likening the organization's handling of vaccine concerns to a public relations challenge rather than a matter of public health. He criticized Gavi for its selective interpretation of science, emphasizing that the U.S. would halt a substantial $1.2 billion commitment made by the previous administration until Gavi implements reforms in its vaccine safety assessment protocols.
Kennedy asserted, “In its zeal to promote universal vaccination, it has neglected the key issue of vaccine safety.” In response to these allegations, Gavi’s leadership rejected the assertion that their vaccine procurement had been influenced by anything other than the most reliable scientific evidence. They stated that their operations are grounded in comprehensive research aimed at ensuring the health and safety of children receiving vaccines worldwide.
As the global health community absorbs this shocking development, the implications of the U.S. withdrawal on vaccine accessibility for vulnerable populations in developing regions remain to be seen.
In a significant policy shift, the United States has decided to cut its financial backing for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which plays a crucial role in immunizing children in low-income countries. This decision was articulated by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, who accused the organization of disregarding scientific evidence regarding vaccine safety in a pre-recorded video message.
During his address, which was intended for a meeting in Brussels of health ministers and other officials focused on funding Gavi's endeavors, Kennedy expressed his displeasure with Gavi’s approach to vaccine safety, likening the organization's handling of vaccine concerns to a public relations challenge rather than a matter of public health. He criticized Gavi for its selective interpretation of science, emphasizing that the U.S. would halt a substantial $1.2 billion commitment made by the previous administration until Gavi implements reforms in its vaccine safety assessment protocols.
Kennedy asserted, “In its zeal to promote universal vaccination, it has neglected the key issue of vaccine safety.” In response to these allegations, Gavi’s leadership rejected the assertion that their vaccine procurement had been influenced by anything other than the most reliable scientific evidence. They stated that their operations are grounded in comprehensive research aimed at ensuring the health and safety of children receiving vaccines worldwide.
As the global health community absorbs this shocking development, the implications of the U.S. withdrawal on vaccine accessibility for vulnerable populations in developing regions remain to be seen.
