Overview

• Global aid reductions, led by the U.S., have caused severe disruptions to vaccination programs in nearly half of surveyed countries, according to WHO and UNICEF reports.
• Measles cases surged by 20% in 2023, reaching 10.3 million, with outbreaks reported in 138 countries, the highest level since 2019.
• Yellow fever and meningitis cases are rising sharply, particularly in Africa, reversing years of progress achieved through vaccination campaigns.
• Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is urgently seeking $9 billion at its June pledging summit to protect 500 million children and prevent further setbacks from 2026–2030.
• The U.S., previously Gavi's largest donor, plans to cancel its $300 million annual contribution, potentially leaving millions of children unvaccinated and health systems strained.