Shot@Life Campaign Urges Congress to Continue Funding Lifesaving Global Vaccination Programs 

March 27, 2025

Shot@Life Senior Director Cara Ciullo released the following statement on the proposed withdrawal of U.S. support for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance:   

“During the early days of the Administration’s review of foreign assistance, the Shot@Life campaign was encouraged by stated commitments to maintain lifesaving foreign assistance. So we are deeply concerned by reports that the Administration now intends to end U.S. support for a wide range of lifesaving global health and immunization programs including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.  

“Since 2000, Gavi has made routine childhood vaccines accessible for families around the world, immunizing more than 1 billion children and saving more than 18 million lives. Gavi’s unique approach pools resources from donor countries, recipient countries, and the private sector to purchase and deliver vaccines at the lowest possible cost. To date, 19 formerly Gavi-supported countries have taken full ownership of their immunization programs—demonstrating that Gavi gives countries a clear pathway to sustainability and self-sufficiency.  

“Stepping away from more than two decades of strong, bipartisan support for Gavi would put this progress—and the health of millions of children—at risk. It will also make America less secure. Withdrawing our support for global immunization programs that stop deadly, infectious diseases like mpox and Ebola from reaching our shores will put Americans’ health in jeopardy. 

“We ask that members of Congress urge the Administration to allocate the $300 million authorized by Congress for Fiscal Year 2025 to Gavi and strongly support Gavi’s request of $340 million for Fiscal Year 2026.  

“As the Administration continues to review and evaluate America’s relationship with Gavi, we are confident they will recognize the incredible value of Gavi’s lifesaving work to protect the health of children at home and around the world.”