U.S. reinstates $600 million for Gavi after thimerosal transition agreement

After a year-long hold on its contributions, the United States has unlocked $600 million for the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, money that Congress had already approved and that was due to expire on Sept. 30. The release follows Gavi’s commitment to hasten the elimination of thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, from vaccines targeting hepatitis B, meningitis, pneumonia and additional illnesses. Officials noted that achieving this shift will require vaccine makers to expand production, nations to adopt updated formulations, and Gavi’s board to finalize approvals.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long opposed thimerosal, despite scientific consensus on its safety, and had accused Gavi of suppressing dissent. Senator Susan Collins praised the move, emphasizing Gavi’s role in preventing outbreaks from reaching U.S. borders. Gavi CEO Sania Nishtar welcomed the funds, saying they will sustain emergency vaccine reserves for Ebola and other deadly diseases while aiding malaria control efforts. The decision reflects a broader trend of the administration restoring foreign-aid programs that were cut earlier in the term.