United States Announces $600 Million Funding for Gavi, Cuts Ties with WHO
Published on July 30, 2026
In a significant shift in international health funding, the United States has allocated $600 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, while simultaneously severing its financial relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision marks a notable financial setback for the UN agency amid an ongoing dispute between the Trump administration and the WHO.
The announcement was made in a joint statement from the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The statement emphasized, “The United States also reaffirms that it will not provide U.S. Government funding to the World Health Organization through Gavi.” This move aligns with directives issued by President Donald Trump, instructing HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to negotiate reforms with Gavi as a prerequisite for any future U.S. support.
Republican Senator Susan Collins expressed her approval of the decision, highlighting her efforts to reinstate U.S. funding for global vaccination initiatives aimed at increasing immunization access worldwide. The State Department noted that Gavi has committed to transitioning from mercury-containing vaccines to mercury-free alternatives, collaborating with its board and partner nations.
The Trump administration’s decision to withdraw support from the WHO follows a history of tensions. In 2020, Trump ordered a temporary halt to U.S. funding for the WHO, citing the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and accusing it of disseminating misinformation from China, which he argued contributed to the pandemic’s escalation. At that time, the U.S. was the largest contributor to the WHO, providing over $400 million in 2019, which accounted for approximately 15% of the organization’s budget.
In January 2021, President Joe Biden reversed Trump’s policies, restoring funding and halting the withdrawal from the WHO. However, on January 20, 2025, during the first day of his second term, Trump announced the U.S. would exit the WHO and suspend its contributions, reigniting the contentious relationship.
Experts have suggested that these directives are more ideological than strategic, reflecting a broader skepticism towards international health organizations. The WHO’s funding model consists of both obligatory contributions from member states and voluntary donations from various partners. With a budget of approximately $3.4 billion, the WHO’s financial resources are significantly smaller than those of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which received $9.3 billion in core funding for 2023.
The WHO plays a crucial role in funding programs aimed at preventing and treating diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, and measles, particularly in nations struggling to deliver adequate healthcare. Additionally, the organization is pivotal in responding to health emergencies in conflict-affected regions, including areas in Gaza, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As the U.S. realigns its international health funding strategy, the implications for global vaccination efforts and public health initiatives remain to be seen. The decision to support Gavi while distancing itself from the WHO underscores the complexities of international cooperation in health amidst evolving political landscapes.
