Farmane-Ilahi

WASHINGTON (Web Desk) The Trump administration has decided to terminate United States (US) funding for key global health initiatives aimed at providing vaccines for children in low-income countries.

The initiative also includes ending financial support for Gavi, the global health organisation responsible for purchasing vaccines for children in these regions.

The move is part of broader budget cuts that will also reduce efforts to combat diseases such as malaria, raising concerns about the impact on global health.

A document from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) reveals plans to terminate 5,341 foreign aid programs, worth $76 billion, while continuing 898 programs valued at $78 billion.

Gavi, which relies on $300 million annually from the US, has warned that the cuts could result in 1.2 million child deaths over the next five years due to a lack of routine vaccinations.

Malaria control initiatives, particularly in countries like Cameroon and Tanzania, will also be severely impacted.

Global health experts have expressed concern over the cuts, stressing that US support is vital for global health security.

Gavi, which has saved 19 million lives since its inception, plays a key role in immunisation and emergency health responses.