A long-time vaccine skeptic, Kennedy also claimed that the organization has made dubious recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccines and expressed concerns about the DTPw (diphtheria-tetanus-whole cell pertussis) vaccine, according to the report.
“I urge Gavi today to regain the public’s trust and to account for the $8 billion that America has funded since 2001,” the Reuters report cited Kennedy as stating in the video, adding that Gavi should consider all existing scientific evidence.
“Until that occurs, the United States will not provide further contributions,” he added. The report also noted that the content of the video was initially reported by Politico.
Gavi responded by stating it “fully agrees with the Secretary for Health and Human Services on the importance of considering all available science, and is committed to maintaining an evidence-based and scientific approach to its operations and investment decisions, as it has always done.”
Gavi’s leaders, donors, and collaborating countries are currently in Brussels for the organization’s pledging summit, where the alliance aims to secure $9 billion for its initiatives from 2026 to 2030.
Kennedy mentioned in the video that he respects much of Gavi’s work, especially its efforts to make medicines accessible worldwide.
The Trump administration had earlier indicated intentions to reduce its funding for Gavi, which amounts to approximately $300 million annually, as part of a broader reduction in international aid.
With inputs from Reuters
(Edited by : Ajay Vaishnav)
