Trump administration to halt vaccine aid for children in developing countries

The Trump administration has proposed halting US funding for Gavi, a global initiative that provides vaccines for children in poor nations, while also reducing efforts to combat malaria.

These proposed cuts are part of a broader set of reductions outlined in a document from the US Agency for Development (USAID).

However, the administration plans to continue supporting certain programs, including grants for HIV and tuberculosis treatments, as well as food aid for countries facing civil wars and natural disasters, the New York Times reported citing a document.

Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, has been credited with saving an estimated 19 million children's lives since its inception 25 years ago. The United States contributes around 13 per cent of Gavi's budget.

According to a report from The Times, a document from the US Agency for Development (USAID) outlines the foreign aid programs the Trump administration plans to cut, along with those it intends to maintain.

The administration plans to keep certain initiatives, such as food aid for countries affected by civil wars or natural disasters, and some grants for drugs treating HIV and tuberculosis.

These cuts are part of a broader pattern of reductions in USAID funding under the Trump administration. Recently, a judge ruled that the shutdown of USAID led by Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge) likely violated the US Constitution.

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