If the US withdraws its funding from Gavi, a global vaccine alliance, up to one million children could die from preventable diseases, according to BBC. Experts warn that this move could devastate immunization efforts in the world’s poorest nations, leaving millions at risk of deadly outbreaks. Gavi CEO Sania Nishtar emphasized the catastrophic impact such a funding cut would have on global health security. This urgent warning comes after the New York Times reported that the Trump administration is considering ending its financial support for Gavi. As the third-largest donor to the alliance, the US’s contribution is vital in protecting millions of children worldwide.
In early 2025, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) became one of the first targets of cuts under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), following a 90-day freeze on US foreign aid ordered by the Trump administration. According to Dr. Nishtar, Gavi, a global vaccine alliance, warned that if US funding were to be withdrawn, 75 million of the 500 million children needing immunization worldwide would miss out, leading to preventable deaths from diseases like measles, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and polio.
This funding loss would also undermine global health efforts, jeopardizing vaccine stockpiles for diseases such as Ebola, cholera, and mpox, compromising governments’ and health agencies’ ability to protect populations. Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) echoed Gavi’s concerns, with MSF USA Chief Programs Officer Carrie Teicher stating that the political decision could have “catastrophic” consequences.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has expressed strong support for Gavi and is actively engaging with US officials regarding the impact of potential funding cuts, according to Dr. Ngongo Ngashi, Africa CDC’s emergencies incident manager. Dr. Ngashi emphasized the importance of both routine immunizations and emergency vaccines, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
He further stressed the need for Africa to develop its own sustainable funding sources, independent of external partners, to strengthen public health efforts across the continent.
Gavi has indicated plans to expand its donor network, citing Indonesia’s recent transition from a recipient to a donor as an example.
Dr. Sania Nishtar, Gavi’s CEO, pointed out that with 97 cents of every dollar raised directed toward immunization programs, any reduction in US funding would have devastating effects on global health and the safety of populations worldwide.
The BBC has reached out to the US State Department, which oversees the remaining USAID operations, for a statement.
If you dont know about GAVI here is short information about GAVI.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has vaccinated over 1.1 billion children in 78 low-income countries, preventing 18.8 million deaths. It helps protect more than half of the world’s children from deadly diseases. Working with key partners like WHO, UNICEF, the World Bank, and the Gates Foundation, Gavi strengthens health systems and works toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In addition, for every US$ 1 spent on immunization, Gavi saves US$ 21 in healthcare costs and lost productivity, with an estimated return of US$ 54 per US$ 1 spent. Over 24 years, Gavi has generated US$ 250 billion in economic benefits.
By expanding vaccine access, Gavi improves global health security, making countries more resilient to disease outbreaks and protecting people worldwide from emerging health threats.