The Trump administration plans to end US funding for Gavi, a global vaccine alliance that has saved 19 million children’s lives, and significantly cut malaria aid. The move, outlined in a leaked USAID document, could result in 75 million unvaccinated children and 1.2 million deaths over five years. While HIV and food aid programs remain, over 5,000 foreign aid projects are set to be terminated. Global health experts warn the cuts threaten disease surveillance and pandemic response in vulnerable regions. Gavi’s chief executive also urged the Trump administration to reconsider the decision, emphasizing the global risk of future pandemics and disease outbreaks. Meanwhile, questions have arisen over whether the administration can legally halt these programs, given they are congressionally mandated.
Source: The New York Times
