A few days after arriving at the White House, US President Donald Trump abruptly froze US foreign development aid. The measure was quickly followed by the gradual dismantling of USAID, the main instrument of American humanitarian diplomacy, resulting in the complete suspension of many international aid grants.

To confirm his administration's intentions, US Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared on June 26 that the government was suspending its partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. He warned, "Until Gavi considers all available science and re-earns public trust, the United States will not contribute further funding." Gavi said it had received $300 million from the US in 2024.

This winter, photographer Nanna Heitmann followed the first large-scale HPV vaccination campaign in Nepal, funded by Gavi. Around 1.6 million girls between the ages of 10 and 14 received the vaccine. The assignment also gave Heitmann the opportunity to meet communities often far from the spotlight and media attention, especially in Timang, a Himalayan village located at 2,615 meters above sea level.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most widespread sexually transmitted infection in the world and is responsible for many cases of cervical cancer. Its impact is greatest in low- and middle-income countries, where reaching at-risk populations through vaccination is particularly challenging. With the withdrawal of US support, this first vaccination campaign may well be the last.

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