In a move that has sparked concern for childhood immunisation efforts around the world, Dr. Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, warned that cuts to US funding could put over a million young lives at risk.

Gavi, a global organisation dedicated to making vaccines accessible for children in the world’s poorest countries, plays a vital role in protecting children against deadly diseases like tuberculosis, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Through support for life-saving vaccines such as BCG, DPT, and the pentavalent vaccine, Gavi has helped countries like Bangladesh make significant strides towards immunisation equity.

The warning follows reports that the Trump administration plans to end financial contributions to Gavi. However, Dr. Nishtar remains hopeful. “We have not received a termination notice from the US government and are engaging with the White House and Congress with a view to securing $300 million approved by Congress for our 2025 activities and longer-term funding for Gavi,” she told AFP by email.

This funding is crucial for continuing the efforts to reach every child, especially the ‘zero-dose’ and under-immunised (UI) children who have yet to receive even a single vaccine shot. In Bangladesh, the partnership with Gavi has been instrumental in achieving high coverage rates for childhood vaccines, ensuring that more children than ever before are protected from preventable illnesses.

Programmes supported by Gavi provide vaccines that are essential in the early months of life, such as the BCG vaccine for tuberculosis and the pentavalent vaccine that guards against five major childhood diseases. These vaccines are part of Bangladesh’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), which is a key pillar of the country’s public health system.

Experts highlight that continued global support for vaccine access will strengthen countries like Bangladesh in achieving the goal of zero preventable child deaths. Gavi’s work not only saves lives but also builds healthier futures for millions of children worldwide.

In a world still striving to reach the last child, ensuring funding for childhood vaccines remains a beacon of hope. As Dr. Sania Nishtar’s call reminds us, investing in vaccines is investing in the future of every child, everywhere.

References: 

The Financial Express. Trump admin to end funding for childhood vaccines in world’s poorest countries [Internet]. The Financial Express. [cited 2025 Apr 26]. Available from: https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/public/world/trump-admin-to-end-funding-for-childhood-vaccines-in-worlds-poorest-countries-1743088672