RESULTS Action: Tell Congress to stand up for Gavi

Shared by Kul Gautam

Here is a powerful testimony by Bill Gates to the US Senate Appropriations Committee about the importance of foreign aid health programs, and how cutting aid costs can lead to millions of lives being lost and the risk of the spread of deadly diseases that put Americans and the whole world at risk.

What a contrast with the despicable statement by RFK suspending US funding for GAVI on trumped-up charges of not following unproven, exaggerated fringe views on vaccine safety.
Kul

Testimony

Testimony on U.S. Development Assistance and Global Health

by Bill Gates, U.S. Senate Testimony (March 26, 2015)

Click here for the article

Summary
Bill Gates argued that U.S. development assistance has played a decisive role in improving global health and reducing poverty, calling for continued or increased funding. He highlighted major successes—including reductions in child mortality, polio eradication efforts, and expanded vaccination through Gavi—and warned that weakening support could reverse historic progress. Gates emphasized the strategic benefits to the U.S., including preventing global epidemics and promoting self-sufficiency in developing nations.

Quotes
• “Since its inception in 2000, Gavi has helped immunize close to half a billion children and prevented 7 million deaths.”
• “USAID may have saved more lives per billion dollars spent than any agency in government.”
• “It’s in the interests of the American people to see more and more countries make the transition from aid recipients to full participants in the international system.”
• “We need to eradicate polio now, once and for all.”
• “Infectious diseases don’t respect national borders… A non-functional health system anywhere can create problems everywhere.” 

Dear Kul, In a stunning announcement, the Trump Administration has refused to commit to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, based on false claims about science (see the RESULTS statement in response). This reckless and deadly decision means that millions of children around the world are at greater risk of dying from preventable diseases.

Tell Congress that vaccines save lives

Over the last 25 years, Gavi has helped to vaccinate 1.1 billion children around the world, saving nearly 19 million lives. It has received bipartisan support from Congress because it delivers results. It stands as a gold standard for safety, science, and efficiency in global development. The return on investment in lives saved, health security, and global stability is unmatched. Despite the Administration's awful decision, Congress has the last word. It is imperative that members of Congress speak up in defense of Gavi and maintain U.S. support for Gavi's vital mission. Your voice is critical in making that happen. Please contact your representatives and senators today reminding them that Congress has the power—and the responsibility—to lead where the Administration has not.

Tell your members of Congress to stand up for Gavi