In an unexpected decision that could jeopardize the health of millions of children worldwide, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Tuesday that the United States will no longer provide financial support to Gavi, the global vaccine alliance that works on improving access to life-saving immunizations in low-income countries.

Kennedy, speaking via video message at a major Gavi fundraising summit in Brussels, claimed that the alliance had “prioritized public relations over vaccine safety” and criticized its COVID-19 vaccine strategies and long-used childhood vaccines like the DTPw (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis). However, his remarks lacked strong scientific rationale and have been widely criticized by global health experts.

Gavi, which partners with organizations like the WHO, UNICEF, and the Gates Foundation, immediately rejected the claims. The alliance emphasized its commitment to evidence-based practices and pointed to decades of progress in reducing child mortality.

“The DTPw vaccine alone has helped cut child deaths in half in the countries we support since 2000,” a Gavi spokesperson said. “Vaccine safety has always been and will remain at the core of our mission.”

Public health leaders and humanitarian organizations have expressed alarm at the decision. The U.S. has historically been Gavi’s largest donor, contributing more than $8 billion since 2001. Experts fear the pullout could lead to a resurgence of preventable diseases, especially in the world’s poorest regions.

“This is incredibly dangerous,” said Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and vaccine expert. “We’re not just talking about numbers—we’re talking about real children who may now go unvaccinated and unprotected.”

Despite the blow, Gavi raised over $9 billion in pledges for its 2026–2030 cycle—short of its $11.9 billion target. Key supporters included the UK, Germany, the Gates Foundation, and Norway.

Kennedy’s announcement reflects a broader shift in U.S. global health strategy. Earlier this month, he overhauled the CDC’s vaccine advisory board, replacing long-standing public health experts with individuals critical of vaccine mandates. His decision marks a sharp departure from previous administrations—both Republican and Democratic—which strongly backed Gavi’s work.

Gavi has helped vaccinate more than 1 billion children and is credited with saving over 17 million lives since its inception. It supports vaccination campaigns against measles, polio, malaria, HPV, and other deadly diseases in over 70 countries.

Health advocates warn that the loss of U.S. support could slow or even reverse progress on global immunization and child survival.

“This isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a moral one,” said one health worker attending the summit. “The world’s children should not pay the price for political agendas.”