The United States will release $600 million in Congressionally appropriated funds to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 following commitments by Gavi to strengthen vaccine safety and accountability, according to a joint statement released on July 29.
Last year, President Trump directed Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to engage directly with Gavi before considering future support. These discussions led to what the administration described as significant commitments that improve public health outcomes and align with principles of scientific integrity and transparency.
Gavi has committed to transitioning away from mercury-containing vaccines in favor of mercury-free alternatives. The alliance will work toward replacing mercury-containing meningococcal A vaccines with versions that protect against additional strains; transitioning pentavalent DTP-Hib-HepB vaccines to hexavalent versions that also cover polio; updating pneumococcal vaccines; and providing mercury-free hepatitis B options. The administration said these changes would expand protection against more disease strains for children in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
According to the statement, achieving these transitions will require increased manufacturing capacity, adoption by participating countries, and approval from Gavi’s governing board. The United States acknowledged implementation challenges but welcomed Gavi’s commitment, “to work toward these goals through transparent governance and responsible stewardship.” Other reforms already implemented by Gavi include ending promotion of COVID-19 vaccines for routine immunization programs and reorganizing staff operations in Geneva.
Gavi has also agreed to establish a dedicated secretariat function focused on monitoring vaccine science developments. With renewed funding support, the United States expects “to resume its place on the Gavi Board,” where it will continue oversight responsibilities based on measurable progress toward these reforms. The statement reaffirmed that U.S. government funding will not be provided to the World Health Organization through Gavi.
“President Trump has made clear that American leadership in global health must be rooted in accountability, scientific excellence, and measurable results,” the statement said.