US drops Gavi funding, cites safety worries

DISAPPOINTED, SAYS CEO, AS GROUP RAISES $9 BILLION IN PLEDGES

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The head of Gavi said yesterday the organisation which vaccinates children in the poorest countries was “disappointed” after Washington announced it was pulling funding in an incendiary video questioning its safety standards.

A Brussels summit held by the group to raise money on Wednesday night, was overshadowed by a video message sent by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who raised sweeping vaccine safety doubts without evidence and announced an end to Washington’s support.

“We were disappointed to see the video,” Gavi CEO Sania Nishtar told AFP over phone.

“Of course, we disagree with many of the things that were narrated in the video. It’s unfortunate, but we are hopeful of a positive relationship with the United States. We will continue to engage them.”