Public health leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., this week to reaffirm their commitment to America’s health amidst rising challenges, particularly from the growing “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement. The annual meeting of the American Public Health Association (APHA), the first in over a decade to take place in the nation’s capital, offered a platform to address recent attacks on the public health system, particularly during the tenure of the Trump administration.
Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the APHA, expressed concerns about an unprecedented crisis within the field. “I think public health is under attack by our own federal government more than anything else,” he stated. The Trump administration’s significant cuts to staffing and funding have raised alarms among public health professionals, who believe these actions threaten the integrity of the healthcare system. Compounding these issues, the MAHA movement, led by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has emerged, advocating for a departure from established public health norms.
The MAHA initiative seeks to address chronic diseases but emphasizes personal medical choice, often presenting solutions that public health experts deem uninformed by scientific evidence. In stark contrast, traditional public health has prioritized systemic approaches to prevent both infectious and chronic diseases.
Defending Public Health Integrity
More than 11,000 public health professionals convened to discuss these pressing issues, with the mission of defending the integrity of public health. The conference featured sessions such as “Defending Science as a Higher National Value: A National Imperative” and “Attacks on Science and the Public’s Health: How We Are Fighting Back.” Participants were encouraged by the event’s rallying cry: “Defend the integrity of public health. Protect vaccinations and immunization systems.”
Dr. Benjamin pointed out the multifaceted challenges facing public health. In addition to staffing and funding cuts, he noted disruptions in healthcare financing, which he believes undermine access to quality medical care. “They are also interrupting the pipeline for doctors and nurses, and changing tariff policies are making it harder to import drugs and new technologies,” he explained.
In contrast, MAHA co-founder Mark Gorton advocates for a reevaluation of the healthcare system, calling for a focus on “cleaning up corruption” and restoring integrity. Gorton, who is not a medical doctor but has founded various companies, criticized the traditional public health system for being overly paternalistic. He stated, “The fact that you have a government which thinks it knows better than people themselves how best to take care of themselves… is quite simply perverse.”
Public health officials sharply disagree with Gorton’s characterization. Dr. Nevarez, a longtime public health leader, emphasized the importance of public health measures, which she believes have significantly improved life expectancy and quality of life. “The reason that most of us are alive long enough to be able to complain about public health is because of public health,” she asserted.
Finding Common Ground
Despite their differences, public health leaders are actively engaging with MAHA’s critiques. Many acknowledge that the movement stems from legitimate concerns within communities, particularly regarding high healthcare costs and the emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sarah Story, executive director of the Jefferson County Health Department, highlighted the appeal of MAHA’s messaging, noting that its influencers often present a relatable image that resonates with parents concerned about their children’s health.
“There’s a certain charm to how MAHA Moms present themselves,” Story remarked. This approach contrasts with traditional public health messaging, which has often been perceived as didactic and disconnected from the everyday realities of many families.
Dr. Nevarez added that while public health does sometimes impose restrictions for the greater good, such as requiring treatment for contagious diseases, the overall goal remains the protection of community health. She illustrated this with an example from her tenure as a health officer in Berkeley, California, where public health measures were crucial in preventing outbreaks.
As the conference concluded with a “Rally for the Public’s Health” on the National Mall, public health leaders left with a renewed sense of purpose. They are committed to defending their vision for a healthier America while also engaging with emerging movements like MAHA. The ongoing dialogue reflects a critical moment in public health, as leaders seek to adapt and evolve in response to new challenges while remaining steadfast in their mission to protect and promote public well-being.
For those wishing to contribute to the discussion on public health’s future, you can reach out via Signal to Pien Huang at @pienhuang.88.
