Concerns are raised around the world by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as HHS Secretary.
Experts worry that his divisive views on vaccines and emphasis on chronic illnesses could endanger international cooperation, pandemic preparation, and infectious disease management, endangering hard-won advancements in public health.
Global health experts are deeply concerned about President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy’s chairmanship might jeopardize attempts to tackle infectious illnesses including measles, HIV, and emerging pandemics because of his well-known anti-vaccine views.
Trust in public health messaging has already been damaged by Kennedy’s history of encouraging vaccination skepticism, which includes disproven allegations that thimerosal causes autism.
He will be in charge of the world’s largest health and scientific enterprise as HHS Secretary, which will have a big impact on both domestic and foreign health policy.
Experts fear that his divisive position might undo decades of advancements in global pandemic preparedness, research partnerships, and vaccine efforts.
“The United States is the world’s leader in health,” former Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona stated. “There could be catastrophic repercussions if evidence-based policy is abandoned.”
Kennedy’s emphasis on chronic illness over infectious dangers has further frightened detractors, who fear that funding for pandemic response and global health projects may be cut.
Health groups worry that under his leadership, international treaties may be hampered and future epidemic cooperation may be weakened.
Given the ongoing threat of pandemics, experts stress the need of making decisions based on research.
Many caution that Kennedy’s confirmation may cause U.S. health policy to change in a way that jeopardizes the security of health both at home and abroad.
