Media release

From: American College of Physicians

ACP warns politicization of science is driving U.S. health care system toward disaster

Authors from the American College of Physicians (ACP) warn that disaster looms ahead for the U.S. health care system, likely precipitated by an epidemic of vaccine-preventable and attenuating diseases. They say the politicalization of science, which includes the evisceration of public health infrastructure and funding, diminished access to care, and the proliferation of vaccine mis- and disinformation, has created a storm that the U.S. health care system will be ill-prepared to weather. The commentary is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

The authors cite several recent examples of changes to the U.S. health care system that promise negative consequences for public health, including withdrawal from the World Health Organization, erosion of the CDC’s data-reporting process, and elimination of nearly a quarter of the CDC’s workforce. But the authors suggest that one of the most startling changes has taken place among patients, whose vaccine confidence is now at an all-time low. Misinformation and mistrust are being shown to contribute to reduced vaccine uptake, particularly among certain populations. Their confidence is being undermined by conflicting messaging the public is receiving, variable state policies on vaccination mandates, and payment coverage challenges.

The authors say it is imperative to address these issues before a health disaster strikes. ACP calls on physicians to work together with local, state and federal officials to ensure that every person receives care in a system with appropriate capacity and resources. The current dismantling of the U.S. public health system must be stopped, as it impairs the nation from responding to health threats in an organized and effective manner. Public health has many definitions, however it is most clearly understood as “what we do together as a society to ensure the conditions in which everyone can be healthy,” they write.