In a sweeping government shift, the Trump administration plans to drastically reduce financial contributions to vaccine initiatives aimed at children in developing nations, specifically targeting the global vaccination fund, Gavi. This action is part of a broader restructuring of the United States Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.) that includes significant cuts to malaria-funded programs, which are essential for combating one of the world's deadliest diseases. The moves were outlined in a 281-page document submitted to Congress detailing the aid projects that will continue or be terminated.
**U.S. to Significantly Cut Vaccine Aid for Low-Income Countries Amidst Broader Foreign Aid Reduction**
**U.S. to Significantly Cut Vaccine Aid for Low-Income Countries Amidst Broader Foreign Aid Reduction**
The Trump administration is poised to end substantial vaccine funding while retaining some crucial support for diseases like H.I.V. and tuberculosis.
The decision to cut back on vaccine funding could have dire implications for global health. Gavi has been credited with saving millions of children's lives over the last 25 years through its vaccination initiatives. Despite the shocking scale of these cuts, the administration has committed to maintaining certain aid for medications to treat H.I.V. and tuberculosis, along with food aid to nations grappling with civil strife and natural disasters.
The comprehensive spreadsheet summarizes a dramatic withdrawal from the U.S.’s longtime role as a benevolent force in the developing world. According to the cover letter accompanying the document, U.S.A.I.D. is being left with only 869 active employees out of more than 6,000, revealing a significant downsizing of U.S. international aid operations. The administration has decided to continue only 898 awards, while more than 5,300 will be terminated, leading to a staggering cut from the previous annual spend of approximately $40 billion by U.S.A.I.D.
Overall, only $8.3 billion in unobligated funds remains available for these awards, starkly illustrating the reduction in support for global health efforts amidst a critical time for nations reliant on American aid.
The comprehensive spreadsheet summarizes a dramatic withdrawal from the U.S.’s longtime role as a benevolent force in the developing world. According to the cover letter accompanying the document, U.S.A.I.D. is being left with only 869 active employees out of more than 6,000, revealing a significant downsizing of U.S. international aid operations. The administration has decided to continue only 898 awards, while more than 5,300 will be terminated, leading to a staggering cut from the previous annual spend of approximately $40 billion by U.S.A.I.D.
Overall, only $8.3 billion in unobligated funds remains available for these awards, starkly illustrating the reduction in support for global health efforts amidst a critical time for nations reliant on American aid.
