The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is facing an unprecedented crisis under the current administration, and former leaders warn that not only the agency’s credibility is at risk, but its very existence. Three senior former officials described the chaotic, science-defying environment that followed President Trump’s second administration and the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Ігнорування досвіду та науки
Dr. Daniel Jernigan, former director of the CDC’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, described the situation as a blatant disregard for scientific expertise. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Debra Hauri, former chief medical officer, and Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, former director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. All three resigned following the controversial firing of CDC Director Susan Monorese in August, who was fired for refusing to approve what her legal team called “unscientific, reckless guidelines.”
The core of the problem is the overturning of established public health principles : instead of policy being driven by evidence, decisions are made first and supporting evidence is sought later. Цей підхід, за словами Джернігана, являє собою перехід від «прийняття рішень на основі доказів до прийняття рішень на основі доказів».
Скорочення, заморожування фінансування та політичний хаос
The administration’s actions have included massive staff cuts at the CDC through the newly created Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE), as well as a funding freeze that appears more chaotic than strategic. Former officials note that RFK Jr. did not meet directly with CDC staff or directors, but instead relied on appointees who requested data from scientists without proper confidentiality agreements.
The lack of involvement and oversight created confusion, especially as the administration promoted unproven treatments (like liver oil for measles) while weakening the public health infrastructure. Наприклад, про зміни в політиці вакцинації було оголошено в публікаціях у соціальних мережах до того, як вони були відображені на веб-сайті CDC.
Ескалація нестабільності та насильства
The chaos came to a head in August when the CDC headquarters in Atlanta was attacked by a gunman, where a gunman fired hundreds of rounds into the buildings while blaming the COVID-19 vaccine for his mental health problems. The secretary’s response—telling the public “Don’t trust the experts” during an interview after the shooting—further undermined the agency’s credibility.
Майбутнє охорони здоров’я
The three former directors now advise the public to seek health information from trusted sources outside the CDC, including academic centers such as the University of Minnesota’s CIDRAP, regional health alliances and professional health organizations.
Хаурі прямо заявив: «Чесно кажучи, я не знаю, чи зможе CDC вижити з тим, що вони роблять».
Довгострокова життєздатність агентства залежить від зміни курсу поточної адміністрації та встановлення пріоритетів науково обґрунтованої політики. Events at the CDC raise serious questions about the future of public health in the United States and the government’s ability to effectively respond to future crises.
