U.S. health agency's leader is dismissed, drawing criticism from RFK Jr

U.S. health agency's leader is dismissed, drawing criticism from RFK Jr

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is facing a period of turmoil, with mounting attacks since the arrival of the new administration. The latest development comes as Jim O'Neill, Deputy Director and former technology investor, is set to take over as the acting CDC director, following the sudden removal of Susan Monarez after just a few weeks in the role.

Monarez's dismissal has sparked controversy, with her lawyers arguing that only the President has the authority to remove a director, yet the notice came from a White House staffer. The White House spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, has stated that the President has the right to fire Monarez, but the circumstances surrounding her removal remain unclear.

Before Monarez, the CDC had been without a director since President Donald Trump's term, with Debra Houry, the chief medical officer, and Demetre Daskalakis, the head of the national center for immunization and respiratory diseases, among those who resigned during this period. Daskalakis oversaw the mpox response.

The CDC has been a cornerstone of public health for over 80 years, leading campaigns against smallpox, HIV-AIDS, and smoking. However, recent events have cast a shadow over its reputation. The agency has faced criticism over its handling of Covid-19, with errors in testing, social distancing, mask usage, and school closures being highlighted.

Tensions within the agency have built since a man reportedly motivated by anti-vaccine misinformation opened fire outside CDC headquarters in Atlanta this month, killing a police officer. The CDC has also faced attacks since Kennedy took office, including disbanding an independent vaccine expert panel, restricting access to Covid-19 shots, and cutting federal funding to mRNA vaccines.

Senators will have the opportunity to grill Robert Kennedy Jr. over these issues at a panel next Thursday. Kennedy, who has announced a government study into the long-debunked "link" between vaccines and autism, has also disputed a 1999 CDC report that listed vaccination, water fluoridation, and family planning as top public health achievements of the 20th century.

Meanwhile, CDC workers held a "clap out" for their departing colleagues on Thursday afternoon. The employee union has backed Susan Monarez, stating she "chose science over politics." Monarez, the former CDC chief, has been praised for her commitment to evidence-based decision-making. Kennedy, on Fox News, has criticised the CDC's handling of Covid-19, stating that errors in testing, social distancing, mask usage, and school closures have contributed to the ongoing pandemic.

As the CDC navigates these challenging times, it remains to be seen how the new acting director, Jim O'Neill, will lead the agency and restore public trust.