The U.S. Is Holding Global Vaccination Efforts Hostage
The U.S. government's actions are significantly impacting global vaccination efforts, particularly affecting lower-income countries. Funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has been withheld, jeopardizing immunization access for vulnerable populations. Critics argue that these decisions are driven by political agendas rather than public health needs.
- ▪The U.S. has halted funding to Gavi, which plays a crucial role in global vaccination efforts.
- ▪Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been accused of promoting anti-vaccine rhetoric, affecting immunization policies.
- ▪The U.S. has not sent $600 million budgeted for Gavi in fiscal years 2025 and 2026, risking the expiration of these funds.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
HealthThe U.S. Is Holding Global Vaccination Efforts HostageHalting the distribution of vaccines that the U.S. objects to will mean depriving kids of protection against dangerous diseases.By Katherine J. WuIllustration by The Atlantic. Sources: Graeme Sloan / Bloomberg / Getty; Miami Herald / Getty; Igor Golovniov / SOPA Images / Getty.May 21, 2026, 11:13 AM ET ShareSave Midway into 2026, the most overt attacks on vaccines in the United States have stopped. With the midterm elections looming, the White House reportedly asked Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to quiet his anti-vaccine rhetoric—publicly, at least. But protections against infectious disease are continuing to falter, both domestically and abroad, through sheer neglect.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Atlantic.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Atlantic
