Gavi plans to use $600m US cash for malaria

The global vaccine group Gavi said on Monday it hopes to use $600 million in soon-to-be-restored US funding to boost malaria and other vaccination efforts, as it also meets US conditions over phasing out the preservative thimerosal in other vaccines in its portfolio.

The group's board will make the ultimate decision on how the money is used, Gavi said. But malaria is likely a key focus. The $600 million was approved by Congress for use in 2025 and 2026, but withheld from Gavi by US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who said in June last year that the group ignored safety, without providing evidence. The US has also not pledged money for Gavi's future work.

However, last week US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it was time to re-engage and the $600 million would be sent to Gavi soon, without specifying a date.