The previous month, Gavi’s chief executive Sania ​Nishtar had said Gavi was moving away from vaccines that included a mercury-based preservative ​about which Kennedy had raised concerns. The U.S. State Department said in a statement on Wednesday the decision to release funds was taken after Gavi committed “to work towards transitioning mercury-containing vaccines and ​expanding access to newer, mercury-free alternatives.” Article continues after advertisementRepresentatives for Gavi did not immediately respond to ​a request for comment sent late Wednesday night in Geneva. Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, said in June 2025 the U.S. would no longer provide ​any funding – representing ​around $300 million a ⁠year – because Gavi ignored safety. He did not provide evidence to support his claim.