Six former U.S. surgeons general on Tuesday joined a growing list of credentialed medical experts and others in health circles to raise alarm about Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.
Why it matters: The common theme is Kennedy’s disregard for evidence-based science is dangerous, particularly when it comes to vaccines.
But the profound, immediate and unprecedented threat that Kennedy’s policies and positions pose to the nation’s health cannot be ignored,” they wrote.
The other side: HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said in a statement to Axios that the “same officials who presided over the decline in America’s public health are now criticizing the first Secretary to confront it head-on.”
He continued: “We remain committed to restoring trust, reforming broken health systems, and ensuring that every American has access to real choice in their health care.”
Half a dozen former U. A. On Tuesday, surgeons general joined an increasing number of qualified medical professionals and other members of the health community who expressed concern about Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy. .
Why it matters: The recurring theme is that Kennedy’s disdain for science-based evidence is harmful, especially in regards to vaccines.
Driving the news: The surgeons general, including Jerome Adams from President Trump’s first term and those who served in both Republican and Democratic administrations, wrote an opinion piece in the Washington Post on Tuesday accusing Kennedy of “endangering the health of the nation.”. “.
“This is the first time we have jointly issued a public warning. “However, it is impossible to overlook the severe, immediate, and unparalleled danger Kennedy’s policies and stances represent to the country’s health,” they wrote.
Kennedy’s de-emphasizing of vaccine benefits during a measles outbreak and his appointment of people who would question childhood vaccines to important vaccine advisory committees were cited by the former top health officials.
Though there isn’t enough proof to draw firm conclusions, they also mentioned the connection between Tylenol use and autism.
The big picture: It comes after nine former directors and acting directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a similar warning last month, pointing to the deconstruction of public health expertise within federal agencies and the undermining of vaccines.
Additionally, it comes after over 20 medical organizations, including the American Public Health Association (APHA), the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), made a clear call for Kennedy’s resignation last month. (The executive director of APHA, Georges C. Kennedy’s resignation was demanded by Benjamin in April. ).
Last month, more than 1,000 current and former HHS staff members signed a letter demanding Kennedy’s resignation, citing his appointment of “political ideologues who pose as scientific experts and manipulate data” to spread false information about vaccines and the firing of the CDC director.
Kennedy family members, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and the Committee to Protect Public Mental Health have all demanded that he step down or face termination.
“The same officials who presided over the decline in America’s public health are now criticizing the first Secretary to confront it head-on,” HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon told Axios. “.”.
“We’re still dedicated to rebuilding trust, fixing dysfunctional health systems, and making sure that every American has genuine choice in their medical care,” he added. “.
