Decline in Vaccination Rates in the USA Threatens Public Health

• In the USA, the decline in vaccination rates has caused a spike in measles.
• The Trump administration is quickly cutting funding for health protection programs.
• The Fogarty International Center is facing funding cuts due to budget threats.

Currently, the USA is experiencing a decline in vaccination rates among children, which is causing outbreaks. According to CDC data, in 2024, the vaccination rate for children in daycare centers will decrease for the fifth consecutive year, while the number of exemptions from vaccination has reached a record high. This is reflected in the highest spike of measles in the last 30 years, with over 286,000 children starting school without confirmed immunity.

The Trump administration, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who oversees the Department of Health and Human Services, is actively undermining the health protection infrastructure, which threatens the health of millions of people. Specifically, Kennedy has removed members of the CDC vaccination committee, replacing them with individuals who lack sufficient experience in this field.

Moreover, the administration has cut funding for the development of mRNA vaccines, which have prevented 14 million deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of the year, over 1,300 cases of measles and three deaths have been reported in the USA. In conditions of declining trust in government institutions, medical associations are calling for ensuring vaccination, purchasing vaccines safely from manufacturers.

Meanwhile, the Fogarty International Center (FIC), which funds programs for global health development, is also facing funding cuts. The FIC budget in 2026 is expected to be reduced to zero, regardless of its importance for scientific research and providing medical assistance.

In the context of global challenges, such as pandemics and climate change, it is crucial to maintain cooperation among countries. The initiatives supported by FIC aim to enhance scientific potential in developing countries and increase the volume of research, which, in turn, can positively impact the health of the US population.

Tags: USA/Politics/Well-being