US government shuts down initiatives to combat anti-vaccine sentiment

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a key agency within the US Department of Health responsible for medical research, has significantly reduced numerous programs focused on combating anti-vaccination sentiment and promoting vaccine acceptance among the public.

This decision follows the appointment of Robert Kennedy Jr., known for his outspoken criticism of vaccinations, as head of the NIH, Caliber.Az reports referring to The Washington Post.

According to documents obtained by the newspaper, NIH divisions have been instructed to immediately cancel all existing contracts that study why many Americans refuse vaccinations and develop strategies to address the growing scepticism. More than 40 grant programs are affected by this move.

Health experts interviewed by the Post expressed concern about the negative impact of this decision, especially amidst a measles outbreak in 12 US states. The outbreak, in part, has been attributed to the rise of anti-vaccination sentiments, particularly in the southern US.

"From a public health perspective, preventing people from dying should be the government's goal. Distrust of vaccines is one of the obstacles to that," said Michael Bronstein, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

Kennedy Jr.'s appointment as health secretary has caused significant concern within the US scientific and medical communities. Many scientists worry that his leadership could undo advancements in the field of epidemiology. Earlier, Kennedy Jr. had already halted a multi-million dollar contract aimed at creating a new COVID-19 vaccine, and just last week, one of the US Department of Health's agencies received an order to begin studying the possible connection between vaccinations and the development of autism.

The documents obtained by The Washington Post also revealed that, beyond cutting back on vaccine promotion efforts, the US Department of Health has reduced funding for medical research related to China. This includes grants for several Chinese university programs.

By Tamilla Hasanova