New York Times reported on 26 March that the Trump administration’s reducing US foreign aid funding has affected several vaccine programmes. Among them are Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and major anti malaria initiatives.
The withdrawal of $2.6bn from Gavi’s budget is projected to leave 75m children without access to routine vaccinations over the next five years, resulting in 1.2m preventable child deaths.
“Aid organisations warn that withdrawing support at this time could reverse the gains achieved over the past decade, endangering the lives of millions in malaria-endemic regions. Despite these cuts, the administration has chosen to uphold specific programmes, including support for HIV and tuberculosis treatments and food aid in regions affected by war and disaster.”