Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by President-elect Donald Trump has sparked significant concern across the global health community. If Kennedy is confirmed, he would wield substantial influence over health policies not just within the United States but also across borders. His track record, particularly his views on vaccines and health policy, raises alarms among health experts who fear his leadership could undermine decades of progress made against infectious diseases and promote harmful health narratives.
While Kennedy has voiced intentions to address domestic issues like food safety and the regulation of psychedelics, his lack of clear plans for global health raises red flags. Public health advocates fear his leadership might disrupt important international collaborations aimed at combating infectious diseases such as measles, polio, and HIV. There’s apprehension he could cut budgets for significant health initiatives, harming the U.S.’s role as the largest global health funder. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the U.S. allocated $12.3 billion to global health programs for fiscal year 2024, with about $1.6 billion flowing through HHS agencies such as the CDC and NIH.
Health experts regard the HHS secretary as the chief executive of the world’s largest health and medical enterprise, and the potential influence Kennedy could have is nothing short of monumental. Dr. Richard Carmona, former U.S. Surgeon General, emphasized, “The world depends on us, for our science, for our emergency capabilities, for our ability to surge and help others.” On the ground, Dr. Carlos del Rio, from Emory University, pointed out the strategic importance of global health funding, which fosters friendships with other nations, generates early warnings of potential threats, and aids development.
Kennedy is well-known for his skeptical views on vaccines, having spent years promoting false notions about their safety. He founded the nonprofit Children’s Health Defense, which disseminates anti-vaccine material. Although Kennedy has softened his rhetoric slightly on his campaign trail, claiming he supports vaccine availability, he continues to pose doubts about the safety of vaccinations, including linking the preservative thimerosal to serious conditions such as autism—a claim thoroughly debunked by the CDC and multiple scientific studies.
On the international stage, Kennedy’s controversial remarks have extended to vaccines used abroad. During his interaction with Joe Rogan, he labeled the whole-cell DTP vaccine, still utilized in countries with high infectious disease rates, as “very dangerous,” a viewpoint devoid of scientific backing. Kathleen Sebelius, former Secretary of HHS, expressed concern over Kennedy's potential confirmation, indicating it could have dangerous ramifications during times when vaccine skepticism is already taking root globally. “Having an official from the United States make those statements repeatedly could have just drastic and terrible impact,” noted Sebelius.
The former HHS secretary also pointed to Kennedy's plans to pivot the agency’s focus away from infectious diseases like HIV, which has seen funding cutbacks. Kennedy’s statements indicate he would shift priorities to address chronic illnesses over infectious threats, raising poses questions about our preparedness for potential waves of future medical crises. Critics worry his views can lead to decreased efforts to combat pressing global health crises, undermining progress made on diseases like HIV/AIDS.
Half of the U.S. global health budget is allocated to combating HIV/AIDS, which requires sustained commitment and funding. Kennedy’s history raises suspicions about whether he would support such initiatives. His previous remarks suggest he believes HIV/AIDS is not caused by the human immunodeficiency virus but by lifestyle choices, like drug use, contradicting established science.
Some experts fear Kennedy's confirmation could worsen vaccine hesitancy, rolling back the hard-won gains made against infectious diseases. Consider the case of measles, which is extremely contagious. Vaccines have proven highly effective, yet coverage has waned due to misinformation propagated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization reported a 20% increase in measles cases worldwide between 2022 and 2023. Given Kennedy's dismissal of preventive measures, his appointment could allow such diseases to re-emerge.
Just as alarming, he has been vocally anti-COVID vaccine, calling it “a crime against humanity” on social media. This rhetoric stands in stark opposition to studies showing the COVID vaccines have saved over 14 million lives globally during their first year of use. The U.S. has actively participated in global vaccination efforts, donating nearly 700 million COVID vaccine doses to 117 countries. With Kennedy’s controversial stance, it’s uncertain under his leadership whether such initiatives would continue.
Kennedy’s far-reaching views raise significant concerns about public health safety and might extend beyond vaccines. He has expressed the intention to focus more on chronic diseases domestically, potentially indicating similar priorities abroad. Critics assert this shift could lead to neglect of important health issues, including significant global efforts to combat infectious diseases. Health experts warn about the risk posed by his confirmation and the potential erosion of vaccine coverage, allowing dormant diseases to resurface.
With Kennedy indicating he’d grant infectious diseases “a break” to focus on chronic health conditions, health activists are alarmed. This proposed pivot brings with it fears of decreased vigilance against looming threats like avian flu, which is already exhibiting problematic patterns. The rhetoric and posture of someone like Kennedy could inhibit the US’s ability to respond effectively to such threats, putting both domestic and global populations at risk.
The upcoming Senate confirmation hearing will provide more clarity on Kennedy’s vision for HHS. Senators across the aisle are expected to voice their concerns during the hearing, particularly due to the extensive backlash surrounding Kennedy’s positions. For many health advocates, Kennedy’s appointment remains fraught with uncertainty about how it would influence not just national health policies but also those shaping international health responses.
While Kennedy has addressed health policies surrounding food and public health aspirations, his controversial history as both an environmental lawyer and fervent critic of vaccines clouds how his leadership will mold the U.S. health agenda. His past positions on health crises contribute to fears about decreasing dedication to evidence-based approaches to medicine and public health, raising ethical questions on behalf of future generations.
Many health officials, including former HHS leaders and public health advocates, hope to see dedicated commitment to the global health initiatives which are the bedrock for controlling numerous infectious diseases plaguing communities worldwide. The impact of Kennedy’s potential confirmation weighs heavily, with imminent consequences looming on strategies already set to combat public health crises.