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Rubio Re-engages Gavi as Ebola Spreads, Trump Withholds Funds

6/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced re-engagement with vaccine alliance Gavi as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak spreads in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Gavi earmarked US$50 million for the outbreak, including US$10 million for immediate response.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration withheld US$300 million annually and US$600 million approved by Congress over vaccine safety and thimerosal concerns, and appointed Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, to lead Gavi’s funding steps.

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Story summary

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced re-engagement with vaccine alliance Gavi as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak spreads in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Gavi earmarked US$50 million for the outbreak, including US$10 million for immediate response.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration withheld US$300 million annually and US$600 million approved by Congress over vaccine safety and thimerosal concerns, and appointed Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, to lead Gavi’s funding steps.