RFK Jr. unveils childhood disease strategy amid vaccine policy disputes

The Trump administration, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., released the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) report outlining a strategy to address childhood chronic diseases in the U.S. The report emphasizes investigating vaccine injuries, prescription drug use, and autism's causes, proposing a framework to optimize the childhood vaccine schedule while addressing injuries. This approach has sparked controversy, causing turmoil within public health agencies including the firing of the CDC director and staff departures, amid concerns about Kennedy's anti-vaccine stance. Despite initial calls for increased pesticide regulation, the final MAHA strategy largely avoids stronger EPA regulations, prompting criticism from environmental advocates who view it as too industry-friendly. The commission attributes childhood illnesses to factors such as processed food, chemical exposures, stress, and the overuse of medications and vaccines. Kennedy's report reflects his broad MAHA coalition's priorities, aiming to refocus government efforts on these contested health issues.