US may end vaccine funding for poor countries

KABUL (Pajhwok): US President Donald Trump intends to terminate America’s financial support for Gavi, the organisation that has helped purchase critical vaccines for children in poorer countries.

Reuters reported, citing a document from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Washington also planned to scale back efforts to combat malaria.

The document, which was shared with Congress earlier this week, outlines drastic budget reductions. If approved by Congress, the cuts will result in the termination of 5,341 programmes worth $76 billion, while 898 programmes worth $78 billion will continue.

A senior USAID official warned dismantling the programmes could lead to unnecessary deaths.

Gavi officials have stressed the US funding, amounting to approximately $300 million annually, was critical to the organisation’s operations.

Gavi CEO of Sania Nishtar told Reuters: “If we don’t get US support, that translates into 1.2 million deaths” over the next five years, among children who will be unprotected against deadly diseases like measles and diphtheria.”

The proposed funding cuts have raised serious concerns among global health advocates, who warn of devastating consequences for children’s health in the world’s poorest nations.

Gavi collaborates with governments, international organisations and the private sector at expanding immunisation efforts, aiming to promote equitable vaccine access and reduce the spread of preventable diseases worldwide.

kk/mud