Kennedy's claims spark backlash from Gavi, which defends its evidence-based vaccine policies.
Trump Administration Cuts Funding to International Vaccine Agency Amid Controversy
Trump Administration Cuts Funding to International Vaccine Agency Amid Controversy
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces withdrawal of support for Gavi, blaming it for overlooking vaccine safety.
In a striking move, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the United States would halt its financial contributions to Gavi, an organization dedicated to helping procure vaccines for children in low-income nations. This statement came during a video message played to leaders and health ministers gathered in Brussels for a fundraising event aimed at supporting Gavi's initiatives.
Kennedy criticized Gavi for allegedly disregarding scientific evidence in its vaccination strategies. He stated that when vaccine safety is called into question, Gavi seems to perceive it more as a public relations challenge rather than a serious health concern. “In its eagerness to push for universal vaccination, Gavi has failed to adequately address the crucial issue of vaccine safety," he remarked.
The United States had previously committed to a $1.2 billion pledge under the Biden administration, but Kennedy declared this would be contingent on significant alterations in Gavi's procedures regarding vaccine safety evaluations.
Responding to his claims, Gavi officials firmly rejected the notion that their vaccine decisions were influenced by anything other than high-quality evidence, restating their commitment to public health and the safety of vaccines.
As the debate rages on, Kennedy's remarks are sure to fuel ongoing discussions about vaccine safety and public health policy worldwide.
Kennedy criticized Gavi for allegedly disregarding scientific evidence in its vaccination strategies. He stated that when vaccine safety is called into question, Gavi seems to perceive it more as a public relations challenge rather than a serious health concern. “In its eagerness to push for universal vaccination, Gavi has failed to adequately address the crucial issue of vaccine safety," he remarked.
The United States had previously committed to a $1.2 billion pledge under the Biden administration, but Kennedy declared this would be contingent on significant alterations in Gavi's procedures regarding vaccine safety evaluations.
Responding to his claims, Gavi officials firmly rejected the notion that their vaccine decisions were influenced by anything other than high-quality evidence, restating their commitment to public health and the safety of vaccines.
As the debate rages on, Kennedy's remarks are sure to fuel ongoing discussions about vaccine safety and public health policy worldwide.
