In the CDC’s Building 21 in Atlanta, employees are adopting secrecy and caution, fearing surveillance and ramifications under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s administration. Since his appointment, over 10,000 seasoned staff have been dismissed, resulting in a chaotic atmosphere. Many have expressed concerns about significant disruptions to scientific norms and the effectiveness of health policies.
Kennedy’s reforms, framed as necessary changes, are criticized for dismantling vital health initiatives, including chronic disease prevention programs. Critics argue that his approach, especially regarding vaccines, risks public health and politicizes scientific recommendations. For instance, the termination of the advisory committee on immunization practices raised alarms among former members about potential negative outcomes for vaccine access and safety.
Funding shortages have led to resource scavenging among remaining employees, while new bureaucratic layers have reportedly slowed grant processing instead of improving efficiency. Insiders suggest that Kennedy’s focus on cutting programs may undermine long-term health outcomes, with some staff feeling disillusioned and unwilling to return to an administration they view as anti-science. As uncertainty looms, there are fears that the current changes could seriously impact public health both domestically and internationally.
