Partnered US ex-head of staff issues alert on potential resurgence of Measles and related illnesses
In a series of recent events, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found itself at the centre of a storm of controversy. The appointment of vaccine sceptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health Minister has raised concerns and led to several high-profile resignations within the agency.
On 31st July, President Donald Trump appointed Susan Monarez as the interim director of the CDC. Monarez, a microbiologist and immunologist, served for only 29 days before being pushed out by Health Minister Kennedy. Monarez reported that she resigned due to ethical concerns, as Kennedy demanded that she approve vaccination recommendations without review and dismiss experienced experts.
Following Monarez's departure, Kennedy failed to appoint a new interim leader for the CDC. Reports emerged of several leading CDC officials resigning in the aftermath, but there was no information about a successor during Kennedy's tenure as interim leader.
In early August, Kennedy cut funding for the development of certain mRNA vaccines. This decision came amidst growing concerns over a potential resurgence of preventable diseases like polio, measles, diphtheria, and whooping cough in the United States. Monarez herself had warned of this very possibility before her dismissal.
The largest measles outbreak in more than 30 years occurred in the US around the same time, resulting in the deaths of two children. An armed attack on the CDC headquarters in Atlanta also took place, resulting in the death of a security guard. The perpetrator was driven by anti-vaccination sentiment.
Debra Houry, a former leading CDC official, accused Kennedy of censoring scientific work, politicizing decision-making processes, and depriving experts of their independence. Houry also stated that many experts are no longer willing to speak publicly about vaccinations or remove their names from academic articles due to fear.
The CDC interim director, Jim O'Neill, was appointed by Health Minister Kennedy Jr. after Monarez's removal. Kennedy's expected to face little resistance to his vaccination policy with O'Neill as interim director. The US Congress held a hearing regarding the potential resurgence of preventable diseases, but it remains to be seen how these events will unfold in the future.
