The U.S. government has restored $600 million in funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, following the organization's commitment to accelerate its transition away from vaccines containing the mercury-based preservative thimerosal. This funding, previously appropriated by Congress and set to expire on September 30, will support childhood vaccination programs in low-income countries.
Under the agreement, Gavi will work to eliminate thimerosal-containing formulations from vaccines for diseases such as Hepatitis B, meningitis, and pneumonia. The organization had already been transitioning away from the preservative in some vaccines but agreed to expand these efforts as part of the deal.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized thimerosal, citing potential health risks, despite scientific research indicating its safety. Thimerosal is mainly used in multi-dose vaccine vials to prevent bacterial contamination and reduce vaccination costs in resource-limited settings.
The funding had been suspended last year, with Kennedy accusing Gavi of ignoring research on vaccine safety. This decision faced backlash from public health experts and lawmakers, who warned it could undermine global vaccination efforts. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) publicly questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the funding freeze, and on July 28, she announced that the funding would be restored.
Collins stated, "It is welcome news that following our recent outreach, the State Department has committed to contributing the full $600 million for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance." Gavi's Chief Executive Sania Nishtar expressed appreciation for the restored funding, noting it would help maintain emergency vaccine stockpiles for diseases like Ebola and support efforts against malaria. This decision is part of a broader trend of the administration reinstating foreign aid programs after significant cuts during President Donald Trump's second term.