The United States government has announced plans to withdraw funding from Gavi, the global vaccine alliance that supports immunization efforts in developing nations, including Nigeria.
The move, which is part of a broader effort to cut funding to international aid programs, has sparked widespread concern among global health experts. Gavi, which receives an estimated $300 million annually from the US, plays a critical role in providing vaccines to millions of children in developing countries.
According to Dr. Sania Nishtar, Gavi’s Chief Executive Officer, the funding withdrawal could have devastating consequences, particularly for child immunization efforts. “If we don’t get US support, that translates into 1.2 million deaths over the next five years,” she warned.
The US government has defended the decision, stating that only programs deemed essential to US national interests would continue receiving funding. However, global health experts argue that the move will have far-reaching consequences, putting millions of children at risk of preventable diseases such as measles and diphtheria.
Gavi officials are set to travel to Washington next week to advocate for continued US support. The outcome of their efforts will be closely watched, as the fate of millions of children hangs in the balance.
