As former surgeons general of the United States, we are gravely concerned by the recent developments surrounding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The firing of the CDC director, the forced departure of key officials, and the appointment of an individual without a medical degree or actual public health experience as the interim head of the CDC represent actions that jeopardize not only the institution’s integrity but also the health and well-being of millions of Americans.
The CDC is more than just an agency. It is the cornerstone of public health in America and across the globe ‒ an institution that has saved countless lives, extended life expectancy and earned the trust of the American people through its science-driven approach. The recent turbulence at the CDC threatens to undermine this legacy, and we feel this is not just a bureaucratic or political issue. It’s truly a matter of life and death.
Since 1946, the CDC has worked tirelessly to protect public health, drive down mortality rates and improve life expectancy. Its leadership has been critical in controlling infectious diseases like polio, smallpox and HIV; reducing smoking rates; preventing environmental hazards; and implementing widespread vaccination programs.
