The American Public Health Association (APHA) has issued a forceful statement calling for the resignation of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), citing his actions as a direct threat to the nation’s health and safety. In the few weeks since his appointment, Kennedy has implemented sweeping staff reductions at key federal health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These cuts have weakened the country’s ability to respond to public health crises, including the current measles epidemic. His leadership has been marked by poor management decisions, disregard for scientific evidence, and policies that undermine public health infrastructure.

Kennedy’s tenure has been particularly concerning due to his stance on vaccines and promotion of unscientific treatments. Despite being presented with overwhelming data on vaccine safety during his confirmation hearing, he has continued to fuel vaccine skepticism, even in the face of preventable measles deaths. His promotion of unproven therapies, such as vitamin A for measles treatment—which has led to cases of liver injury—further illustrates his disregard for evidence-based medicine. Additionally, Kennedy has halted critical NIH research aimed at preventing future epidemics and hired anti-vaccine advocates to undermine proven scientific findings.

APHA Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, MD, stressed that Secretary Kennedy’s actions are harmful to public health and called on his colleagues in the medical community to speak out against this dangerous leadership.

 

Americans deserve better than someone who imposes unscientific views and undermines public health efforts. Secretary Robert Kennedy is a danger to the public’s health and should resign or be fired.  – Dr. Benjamin. 

APHA urges immediate action to remove Kennedy from his position before further damage is done to the nation’s health systems and its ability to protect communities from preventable diseases and I could not agree more! This is the middle of National Public Health Week, let’s protect our nation’s health and well-being. Time to speak up and speak out!

Read the full Press Release below:

Secretary Kennedy and his policies are a danger to the public’s health