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The U.S. Public Health infrastructure is being rapidly dismantled by governmental political leaders , e.g., the current hamstringing of CDC and strangulation of scientific data release to professionals charged with producing and implementing action plans to combat communicable diseases, pandemics, etc.  Without a viable substructure foundation, albeit imperfect, the previous safety net is effectively emasculated, not to mention a brain drain of elite, critical thinking minds many of which are becoming reluctant to ever return.  A reasonably successful system has been in place for well over 50 years.

This draconian strategic scheme to allegedly over-haul “the longstanding corrupt and costly system” blueprint at some nebulous near or distant future timeframe is problematic at best.  Paradoxically the new American President has installed a visionary One Health advocacy program within the White House.  If allowed to progress, unimpeded by anti-science extremists, this most expeditious, long overlooked platform undoubtedly “ ...  will help protect and/or save untold millions of lives in our generation and for those to come.”

It is a laudable goal to cut wasteful spending, eliminate the relatively small number of inefficient personnel and upgrade but let’s “Don’t throw the baby out with the dirty bathwater!”

Other reportedly threatened critically important health related government agencies that are not discussed here include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and the USDA Food Service and Inspection Service (FSIS) [the premier U.S. government’s public health food safety program(s)] ... among others.

Urging practicable reconsidered solutions may be too late but it is like recognizing that with Influenza vaccine, there is only about a 40-60% effectiveness over the years.  But, that is certainly better than nothing!  On the other hand, measles vaccines are nearly 100% effective. Makes no sense to avoid this scientifically proven immunization for children.

The U.S. and world’s Health system is at a dangerous cross-road.

Editor's Viewpoint