In May 2025, Senate Republicans voted 49–51 to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. This occurred despite his lack of formal training in medicine or public health. Only Minority Leader Mitch McConnell opposed the nomination. He cited his own experience surviving polio before the advent of vaccines. Supporters had been swayed by Kennedy’s pledge…
Tag: Vaccines
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Child Mortality Crisis and the Gates Foundation’s Pledge
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced it will commit $1.6 billion over the next five years. This funding aims to support Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in its mission to immunise the world’s most vulnerable children. The initiative addresses the ongoing child mortality crisis. The pledge comes ahead of a crucial fundraising event in Brussels. It is positioned as…
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Vaccine Advisory Panel Dismissed by US Health Secretary
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the scientific and medical communities, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced the immediate dismissal of all 17 members of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP). The decision, described as the most far-reaching action yet by the long-standing vaccine sceptic, aims…
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Global Health Giants Consider Merger Amidst Funding Crunch
In a significant development for global health, two of the world’s leading organisations, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the Gavi vaccine alliance, are in discussions to merge some operational functions. This strategic move aims to combat a severe financing crunch. A Response to Aid Budget Pull-Backs While discussions about more efficient collaboration have been ongoing…
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African Pharmaceutical Procurement: A Path to Self-Sufficiency
A pooled system for African pharmaceutical procurement is crucial. Africa must reduce its dependence on imported medicines. Delegates at a G20 event reached this conclusion. The discussion highlighted Africa’s vulnerability in its supply chain. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed this. Recent US and European aid cuts emphasised this. The Need for African Pharmaceutical Procurement Africa’s lack of local production is a…