Former leaders of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raise concerns about Kennedy posing threats to U.S. citizens' safety

In a guest opinion essay published in the New York Times on Monday, nine former directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a warning about decisions made by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The former directors, who have led the agency since 1977 under presidents from Jimmy Carter to Donald Trump, expressed their concern about the impact of Kennedy's moves on America's health security. They view the situation as unacceptable and alarming for every American, regardless of political leanings.

The warning centres around Kennedy's decision to fire Susan Monarez, the CDC's director, because she did not approve of his recommendations to weaken vaccine policy. Monarez refused to adopt new limitations on the availability of some vaccines urged by Kennedy.

Four other CDC directors resigned in protest following Monarez's firing. The former directors applauded Monarez for standing up for the agency and the health of communities.

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who votes with Democrats, has also called for Kennedy to resign over his ousting of Monarez. The former directors stated that Kennedy has broken precedent by disregarding the expertise of the agency's leaders.

Rural communities and vulnerable populations are seen as being most at risk due to these decisions. The former directors are particularly concerned about the potential consequences for public health in these areas.

The warning comes at a time when trust in public health institutions is already at a low ebb, and the former directors hope that their appeal will encourage Americans to demand better leadership and policies that prioritise the health and wellbeing of all citizens.