The US withdrew $300M funding from Gavi, which vaccinates half of the world’s children. This is a significant development, and it’s worth unpacking the implications. Gavi, for those who may not be familiar, is a crucial organization. It plays a massive role in global health by providing vaccinations to children in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. The impact is undeniable: Gavi has protected over a billion children since 2000 and prevented millions of deaths. Their model is also exceptionally efficient, able to negotiate vaccine prices down to a fraction of what they cost in the United States.
The US, historically a major donor, provided around $300 million annually to support Gavi’s mission.… Continue reading
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced the country’s withdrawal of support from Gavi, citing concerns about the organization’s approach to vaccine science and a perceived loss of public trust. Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, criticized Gavi’s partnership with the WHO and questioned the safety of certain vaccines, including the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine. This decision has drawn criticism from health experts, including Dr. Paul Offit, who warn of the potential risks to millions of children. Gavi, a public-private partnership that has vaccinated over a billion children, maintains its commitment to vaccine safety and relies on WHO recommendations.
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A federal judge temporarily halted mass firings at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) after a whistleblower alleged that a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee, Gavin Kliger, forced staff to work 36 consecutive hours to expedite the process, disregarding a court-ordered assessment. Kliger, who boasts of leaving a high-paying Silicon Valley job, allegedly berated employees and ignored the requirement for individual assessments before termination. This action resulted in the dismissal of approximately 1,500 to 1,700 CFPB employees, leaving only a handful to manage the agency’s responsibilities. The judge’s intervention highlights concerns over the speed and legality of the layoffs.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker