Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Ralph Abraham, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention principal deputy director and noted vaccine skeptic, announced Monday he's stepping down from the role.
The CDC said he's leaving the position as one of the top public health officials in the United States so he can "address unforeseen family obligations." The agency provided no further details.
"It has been an honor to serve alongside the dedicated public health professionals at the CDC and to support the agency's critical mission," Abraham said in a statement.
The announcement comes less than three months after he was hired for the No. 2 position at the CDC.
Prior to his appointment at the CDC, Abraham served as Louisiana surgeon general. He caused controversy when he ordered the Louisiana Department of Health to stop recommending mass vaccinations in 2025.
