
Over 75 Nobel Prize winners have signed a letter urging U.S. senators to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as HHS Secretary, The New York Instances reported Dec. 9.
The letter, obtained by the information outlet, marks the primary time in current reminiscence that Nobel laureates have come collectively to oppose a cupboard nominee.
The signatories, which embody 1993 Nobel laureate Richard Roberts, Ph.D., argue that Mr. Kennedy’s views on public well being and science make him unqualified to steer an company with huge affect over American healthcare. Dr. Roberts, who helped draft the letter, expressed concern over Mr. Kennedy’s longstanding criticisms of science and mainstream medication.
“These political assaults on science are very damaging,” he informed the Instances. “You need to rise up and defend it.”
Mr. Kennedy has confronted vital criticism for his views on vaccines, together with claims which were extensively debunked by the medical group. He has additionally promoted different unfounded conspiracy theories together with claims linking the HIV virus to environmental causes and alleging that COVID-19 selectively focused sure ethnic teams.
In accordance with the letter, the signatories stated the appointment would jeopardize the U.S.’ world management in well being sciences.
Mr. Kennedy’s healthcare platform, nonetheless, additionally consists of some concepts which have gained consideration. For instance, he has referred to as for addressing the power illness epidemic within the U.S., which prices greater than $1 trillion yearly. Mr. Kennedy has additionally proposed declaring a nationwide emergency for power illnesses, specializing in prevention and addressing elements like meals components and environmental dangers.
Nevertheless, his critics argue that his simplistic method to complicated points, comparable to his stance on power illness and vaccine security, might hurt public well being somewhat than enhance it. The letter from Nobel laureates emphasised the significance of a pacesetter who can work with the scientific group and never towards it.
If confirmed, Mr. Kennedy would lead a division with a $1.8 trillion finances in 2024.