Reuters World News RFK Jr's cuts to US health
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Apr 5, 2025 Caroline Humer, U.S. Health and Pharma editor, and Michelle Gershberg, Global Health editor, dive into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s proposed cuts to major health agencies like the FDA and CDC. They discuss the potential fallout from reducing approximately 10,000 jobs and how this could affect the country’s readiness for health threats like measles outbreaks. The conversation highlights industry reactions, concerns over leadership changes impacting drug approvals, and the risk posed by rising vaccine hesitancy among families.
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Impact of Health Agency Cuts
- 10,000 employees were cut from U.S. health agencies, a 20-25% reduction.
- These cuts feel personal because many people directly interact with these agencies, like the FDA and CDC.
FDA's Role in Drug Safety
- The FDA ensures drug safety and monitors side effects, crucial for public health.
- Cuts disrupt this work, affecting many people who rely on medications.
FDA Leaders Ousted
- Former FDA Commissioner Robert Califf stated the FDA is "finished" due to loss of institutional knowledge.
- Key leaders in drug review, vaccines, tobacco, and food have been pushed out.