Funding cuts threaten global health security, increase disease risk

The administration's proposal to eliminate funding for global vaccination programs against measles, polio, and other preventable diseases poses a grave risk to public health both domestically and internationally. Infectious diseases know no borders, and measles outbreaks in the U.S. this year have been directly linked to imported cases from abroad. By cutting funding that provides lifesaving vaccines around the world, we increase the likelihood of diseases spreading unchecked and eventually reaching our shores. This shortsighted approach jeopardizes decades of progress made in eradicating polio and controlling measles through widespread immunization. Global health security is national security. Viruses and pathogens abroad can rapidly become crises at home, as evidenced by the effort required to contain the latest measles outbreaks. Investing in vaccination programs overseas is a prudent and cost-effective way to prevent the resurgence of eradicated diseases and introduction of new health threats. Discontinuing support for initiatives like the CDC's immunization program and Gavi vaccine alliance undermines efforts to build a safer, healthier world for all. I urge reconsideration of these funding cuts which endanger Americans by increasing our vulnerability to infectious disease outbreaks beyond our borders.