The Trump administration announced Wednesday it will immediately release $600 million in congressionally approved funding to global vaccine alliance Gavi, following the organization's agreement to transition away from mercury-based preservatives.
The funding release ends months of uncertainty for the Geneva-based organization, which expands vaccine access for children in low-income nations against diseases such as measles and diphtheria.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. previously placed a hold on the funds over concerns regarding thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative.
Multiple scientific studies have consistently shown no link between thimerosal and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
According to the State Department, the decision followed commitments from the global organization to phase out mercury-containing vaccines in favor of newer alternatives.
Gavi's Transition and Congressional Reaction
Gavi Chief Executive Sania Nishtar noted that the alliance had already begun transitioning away from thimerosal prior to the agreement.
House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro criticized the initial withholding of the aid, emphasizing that the funds were legally appropriated by Congress to protect vulnerable children worldwide.
"After continued advocacy from myself and my Democratic colleagues on the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, these funds are finally being allowed to flow.
It is utterly shameful that these resources were ever blocked in the first place, and children around the world were deprived of desperately needed vaccines for nearly two years," said DeLauro.
The Connecticut lawmaker also spoke out against the administration's broader approach to public health directives.
"Gavi has helped to vaccinate over 1 billion children globally over the past 25 years, preventing more than 20 million deaths.
The insertion of Secretary Kennedy’s senseless, selfish, and absurd crusade against vaccines is putting children in the United States and abroad at great risk.
He must stop putting his own personal, ill-informed opinions above well-established scientific evidence before even more children get sick," said DeLauro.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated in June that re-engaging with Gavi aligns with core foreign health objectives.
The United States traditionally supplies about 13 percent of Gavi's budget, amounting to roughly $300 million annually, and expects to reclaim its seat on the alliance's governing board as operations resume.
