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.
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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.
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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.
