U.S. cuts vaccine funding for developing countries

The U.S. government plans to cut funding for many foreign aid programs, particularly those aimed at vaccine distribution in poor countries. Gavi, an organization that supplies vital vaccines for children, will lose its financial support. This decision comes as part of a larger strategy by the Trump administration to reduce aid, including efforts to fight malaria. However, the administration will continue to provide some funding for important health initiatives. This includes grants for medications to treat H.I.V. and tuberculosis. Food assistance will also remain in place for nations facing conflicts and natural disasters. A detailed document from the U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.) outlines these changes. It reveals significant cuts, with plans to stop funding for over 5,300 programs while maintaining only 898. The cuts will reshape the agency, reducing its workforce to just 869 employees from more than 6,000. Overall, the funding changes indicate a major shift in U.S. foreign aid, with a reduction from the usual $40 billion spent annually. The remaining funds for ongoing projects total about $78 billion, but only $8.3 billion is readily available for new initiatives.