Washington’s cut to funding for Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, threatens to reverse decades of progress against malaria as several African nations near elimination. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. withdrew US support over concerns about a vaccine preservative — a claim scientific studies do not support. Gavi warns the resulting drop in vaccinations could cost around 19,000 lives, and Bill Gates cautions the situation “could get worse” amid a rapid fall in foreign aid.
US Funding Cuts to Gavi Threaten Global Gains Against Malaria
A chart showing malaria deaths by age group.
Washington’s decision to reduce funding for Gavi, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, risks reversing decades of progress against malaria just as several African countries move closer to elimination.
Last year, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. withdrew American support for Gavi after raising concerns about a preservative used in malaria vaccines and alleging a link to autism. Multiple scientific studies find no evidence supporting an autism link to vaccine preservatives.
Consequences for Vaccination and Lives
Gavi warns that the funding cut has led to lower vaccination coverage in some countries and estimates the drop could result in about 19,000 additional deaths. The alliance highlighted that vulnerable countries — including Ghana, where malaria has been nearly eliminated in recent years — could see setbacks if immunization programs are weakened.
Broader Aid Trends and Warnings
Bill Gates — whose foundation is one of Gavi’s largest supporters — warned the situation “could get worse,” noting that low-income countries are contending with what he called “the fastest decrease in the history of foreign aid.” His foundation’s backing has been crucial to sustaining vaccine rollout and health-system support in many low- and middle-income countries.
"This funding shortfall risks undoing hard-won gains against a disease that still kills hundreds of thousands a year," said a Gavi spokesperson.
The dispute underscores how political decisions in donor countries can have immediate, life-and-death consequences for public health programs abroad. Health experts and global health organizations are urging a rapid review of the funding decision and increased international coordination to protect vaccination coverage and continue progress toward malaria elimination.
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