The Trump administration plans to cut off U.S. funding for Gavi, the global vaccine alliance credited with saving millions of children’s lives, and drastically scale back anti-malaria programs, according to internal documents obtained by The New York Times. The move marks a dramatic retreat from America’s decades-long role as a leader in global health—a decision experts warn could have deadly consequences.
A 281-page spreadsheet from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), sent to Congress this week, outlines plans to terminate 5,341 foreign aid programs while continuing just 898. Among the casualties: a $2.6 billion grant to Gavi, which provides life-saving immunizations in the world’s poorest countries, and key initiatives tracking infectious diseases like malaria and avian flu.
“Children Will Die”
The cuts could leave 75 million children unvaccinated over the next five years, leading to an estimated 1.2 million preventable deaths, Gavi warns.
“This is not just a bureaucratic decision—there are children’s lives at stake,” said Dr. Austin Demby, Sierra Leone’s health minister, whose country relies on Gavi for vaccines. “Global health security will be at stake.”
Since its founding 25 years ago, Gavi has immunized over 1 billion children, preventing 19 million deaths. The U.S. contributes 13% of its budget, making it the largest donor during the COVID-19 pandemic. Without American funding, Gavi may struggle to deliver even basic vaccines like measles and polio, let alone new breakthroughs like a malaria vaccine for children or HPV shots for girls.
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A “Skeletal” USAID
The administration’s memo reveals a hollowed-out USAID:
- 6,000+ employees slashed to just 869 active staff
- 40 billion annual budget gutted, with only 8.3 billion in remaining funds
- Programs to combat HIV and tuberculosis spared—for now
A State Department spokesperson confirmed the cuts, stating terminations were based on alignment with “agency and administration priorities.” But legal challenges loom, as Congress—not the White House—controls funding for many global health programs.
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Global Fallout
The decision sends shockwaves through the international community. European donors, already strained by Ukraine aid and defense spending hikes, may further reduce contributions. Japan, another major Gavi backer, faces economic pressures.
Dr. Sania Nishtar, Gavi’s CEO, urged reconsideration:
“Vaccination doesn’t just save kids—it prevents pandemics.”
Gavi stockpiles Ebola and cholera vaccines, deploying them during outbreaks.
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With Biden’s prior pledge to Gavi now in jeopardy, low-income nations brace for shortages. Experts fear backsliding on hard-won progress—and the rise of deadly, preventable outbreaks.
As one senior global health official put it:
“When America steps back, diseases step forward.”
