Latest news with #AshishJha
Washington Post
24-06-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
Public health is under attack. Here is how we should fight back.
Regarding Ashish K. Jha's June 18 op-ed, 'How to stop Kennedy's vaccine sabotage': As pediatricians, we have watched in horror as the critically important Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) was systematically dismantled from the inside with the firing of all its members. This move jeopardizes vaccine access for our families, makes truly informed immunization decisions more difficult and ultimately weakens public health nationwide. Fortunately, Colorado is prepared, and other states could take a lesson from its example. In his op-ed, Jha urged states to ensure vaccine access through legislatures and insurance regulators requiring insurers to cover all vaccines endorsed by medical societies or state advisory boards. Colorado has already shown this can be done. Foreseeing political and ideological overreach on vaccines, pediatricians partnered with lawmakers and other state leaders to help pass two groundbreaking bills in Colorado to ensure vaccine recommendations and insurance coverage don't rely solely on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention but instead incorporate guidance from other trusted experts and medical societies. The first, Colorado SB25-196, safeguards state-regulated insurance coverage for preventive health services, including vaccines. If federal recommending bodies such as the ACIP repeal or modify evidence-based recommendations, the law empowers the Colorado Commissioner of Insurance to maintain coverage in consultation with state health leaders. The second, Colorado HB25-1027, expands the sources used to inform childhood vaccine recommendations from the Colorado Board of Health to include guidance from medical societies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians. These laws collectively give state leaders and regulators flexibility to help ensure vaccine policies remain rooted in evidence and vaccines remain available for those who want them. Let me be clear: A patchwork of state protections is not ideal. Unified federal recommendations ensure parity in access and consistency in recommendations across states, which is why the destruction of the ACIP is tragic. But, as Jha said, 'inaction is worse.' Other states should note that it is not only possible but necessary to act now to protect communities from the erosion of decades of public health progress. David M. Higgins, Centennial, Colorado Regarding The Post's June 12 news article 'Kennedy selects 8 for vaccine panel he purged': Given Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision to remake the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, our top health institutions must fight back. The American Medical Association, in alliance with other physician specialty groups such as the American College of Physicians and the American College of Pediatricians, must reconstitute, without delay, the advisory committee with its current membership and staff under their collective aegis. Doing so will provide the committee with the muscle and megaphone to acquire needed data, maintain the committee and provide the nation with a continued flow of unbiased information about vaccines. Anthony H. Vervena, Springfield Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s purge of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is another move that clearly defines who he is: an activist rather than a scientist. He seems to know little about the science of vaccines (or, at least, chooses to ignore the science), and shows a bias against vaccines when he discusses their safety and efficacy. But even more damning than Kennedy's predictable moves on this vital subject is the response. The medical profession does not appear to have a unified response to these ongoing issues that affect the population. The American Medical Association and the Children's Health Defense responded to the purge of ACIP, but there is strength in numbers rather than statements. There are many organizations representing large numbers of physicians in different specialties that could come together as one and protest this action. The medical establishment seems insular in how it behaves and doesn't appear to comprehend the power of collaboration. They must fight back and speak with one voice. Larrie Greenberg, Washington The writer is professor emeritus in pediatrics at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. All four of the physician senators currently in Congress, Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) and John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to his post as Health and Human Services secretary. Contrary to what Kennedy says, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices was made up of highly respected experts whose opinions were valued throughout the medical community. With all due respect to my fellow physicians in Congress, we all took the Hippocratic oath to 'do no harm.' I meant it. Did they? And what do they intend to do to mitigate the harm they may have facilitated by confirming Kennedy? How will they hold him accountable? Kenneth Olshansky, San Rafael, California Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was a terrible pick to be Health and Human Services secretary. Kennedy, a famous anti-vaccine activist, recently removed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and wasted no time hiring at least eight new members. Those new members include Martin Kulldorff, who called for herd immunity through mass coronavirus infection in 2020, and Vicky Pebsworth, who is on the board of the oldest anti-vaccine group in the United States. There is no doubt in this writer's mind that the rest of Kennedy's new picks for ACIP will be more of the same. ACIP makes recommendations that insurance companies rely on to determine which vaccines will be covered or not covered. It's incredibly important for all Americans, but especially the vulnerable, that real scientists and doctors are behind the approval for lifesaving vaccines. Henry A. Lowenstein, New York In firing all members of the Centers for Disease Control's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has done us all a massive disservice. I have known and worked with several ACIP members in the past. They are hardworking and principled people of great integrity. They carefully weigh the risks and benefits of immunizations to determine their optimal use in protecting people's health. The objectivity, and even the necessary skill set of several of the secretary's new picks for the panel, are questionable. Vaccines, when properly evaluated and chosen, save lives. They should not be a political football. Richard Leman, Honokaa, Hawaii This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to meet for the second time this year. But who will be at the table? We served in Congress and practiced medicine for decades, so we know how difficult it is to earn a patient or constituent's trust — and how easy it is to lose it. In public health, credibility is foundational. The decision to purge ACIP sows more doubt in public health at a time when the country is facing its worst measles outbreaks in decades and when the Senate has not yet confirmed a permanent CDC director. The United States needs steady, science-based leadership to be healthy. Americans must hold officials accountable to deliver. Before the purge, the panel was filled with respected clinicians, researchers, scientists and public health leaders with years of high-level experience in their fields. The members are independent, unpaid experts who publicly disclose any potential conflicts and recuse themselves from votes when appropriate. When public health threats arise, ACIP organizes working groups to provide evidence-based recommendations quickly and transparently. That kind of guidance has never been more critical. This year, measles cases have been reported in more than 30 states, totaling more than 1,200 cases, more than quadruple the total for all 2024. U.S. children have died from complications for the first time in a decade, and the U.S. is at real risk of losing national measles elimination status, which widespread vaccination helped us achieve in 2000. Public opinion polling shows Americans still support a strong role for the U.S. in vaccine innovation and access. According to a survey by the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease, nearly three-quarters of American voters say it should be a top national priority to ensure vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration are available to all who need them. That survey also showed that more than two-thirds of voters are concerned about declining childhood vaccination rates. It is now our job as citizens to carefully monitor what happens next. Americans should pay attention to the reconstituted ACIP board so that we do not risk delays, confusion and a resurgence of preventable illnesses. Larry Bucshon, Washington Michael C. Burgess, Washington Bucshon, a Republican, represented Indiana's 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2025 and practiced as a cardiothoracic surgeon. Burgess, a Republican, represented Texas's 26th Congressional District from 2003 to 2025 and practiced as a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology.
Washington Post
17-06-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
RFK Jr. is sabotaging the vaccine program. Here's how to stop him.
Ashish K. Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, served as the White House covid-19 response coordinator in the Biden administration. When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was appointed secretary of Health and Human Services, some hoped that the responsibility of public office would temper his long-standing hostility toward vaccines. Instead, he is doing exactly what many of us feared: dismantling the systems that protect Americans from preventable infectious diseases.
CNN
10-06-2025
- Health
- CNN
Former WH Covid Czar slams RFK Jr.'s firing of vaccine advisory panel
Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of Brown University's School of Public Health, tells CNN's Wolf Blitzer why he calls HHS Secretary Kennedy's reasoning for firing all members of the CDC's vaccine advisory committee "nonsense."
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Community Focus: Brown University's Dr. Ashish Jha
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Dr. Ashish Jha, the dean of Brown University's School of Public Health and former White House COVID-19 response coordinator, joined 12 News at 4 Tuesday to discuss U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's changes to the country's vaccine recommendations for the virus. Jha also explained a recent column he wrote regarding why Rhode Island should prioritize school air the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fashion Value Chain
23-04-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
M3M Foundation Brings Together Sustainability Experts, Corporates and Policy Makers for Pioneering Climate Action at CASCA'25 in New Delhi
A host of Environmental Experts, Corporates, Diplomats, and Indian Members of Parliament will join CASCA (Climate Action & Sustainability Conference & Awards) on April 23- 24 in New Delhi. In its pursuit to support initiatives leading to effective action towards climate, environment and sustainability, M3M Foundation has proudly partnered with CASCA (Climate Action & Sustainability Conference & Awards) as the Lead Partner for its inaugural edition. The event scheduled for April 24-26, 2025 will feature thought-provoking panel discussions, keynote addresses, and interactive sessions, culminating in the Climate Action & Sustainability Awards, honouring organizations & individuals making outstanding contributions toward a more sustainable and resilient future. Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation plants saplings as part of her ongoing commitment to environment protection and sustainability The CASCA concept is an extension of ongoing initiatives focused on health, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development by M3M Foundation. In a powerful collaboration, TheCSRUniverse-India's leading impact advocacy platform for social change and climate action-has joined hands with M3M Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M3M Group, to drive this mission forward. Together, their shared commitment to fostering sustainable communities aligns seamlessly with CASCA's core mission: to recognize, amplify, and celebrate transformative efforts that address the pressing environmental challenges of our time. This partnership reflects a unified vision to be at the forefront of building a greener, healthier, and more equitable future. Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, said, 'At M3M Foundation, we believe that sustainability is not just a goal but a responsibility that requires collective action. Partnering with CASCA as the LEAD Partner aligns with our commitment to driving meaningful change in climate action, environmental conservation, and sustainable development. We are excited to collaborate with thought leaders and changemakers at CASCA 2025 to inspire solutions that can create a lasting impact for future generations.' The CASCA will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, corporate leaders, environmental experts, academicians, and grassroots changemakers, to share innovative ideas, best practices, and transformative solutions. 'At CASCA, we aim to amplify conversations and catalyse impactful actions towards a more resilient and sustainable future. We are delighted to welcome M3M Foundation as the LEAD Partner for CASCA 2025. Their extensive work in sustainability and community development adds immense value to our platform,' said Ashish Jha, Founder, TheCSRUniverse. The awards at the thought leadership platform will be evaluated by power-packed jury. The distinguished CASCA jury includes Prof. (Dr.) Anil K. Gupta, CEO & PI at ICARS, IIT Roorkee, known for his pioneering work in climate resilience; Prof. Anish Sugathan, Chair of the Centre for Sustainability and Corporate Governance at IIM Ahmedabad, a leading authority on sustainable business practices; and Dr. Charru Malhotra, Professor at IIPA, specializing in e-Governance and ICT for sustainability. The panel also features visionaries like Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki, Founder of Energy Swaraj Foundation and Professor at IIT Bombay, championing solar energy advocacy; Dr. Indu K Murthy, Sector Head for Climate, Environment & Sustainability at CSTEP, known for her groundbreaking climate policy work; Mr. Jagdish Bakan, IFS, DFO Hosur, Tamil Nadu, with rich field experience in forest conservation; and Dr. Anita Gupta, Head of Scientific Division, Climate Energy & Sustainable Technology (CEST), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India who spearheads national strategies in critical areas such as solar energy, hydrogen, energy storage, smart grids, and carbon capture with her leadership role in advancing Indias decarbonization goals and fostering climate resilience. Other distinguished members include Mr. Jibin Thomas, Co-ordinator at M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), driving agricultural sustainability; Dr. K K Upadhyay, Chairperson of Sustainability & CSR at BIMTECH, an expert in corporate sustainability; and Dr. Kalachand Sain, Advisor at DST CoE for Climate Information, IIT Delhi, a leader in climate data research. The panel further includes stalwarts like Dr. Madhavan Nair Rajeevan, Vice-Chancellor at Atria University and former Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences; Dr. Ram Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of UPES, with deep insights into sustainability education; Ms. Shabnam Bassi, Deputy CEO & Secretary of GRIHA Council, TERI, a sustainability ratings expert; Lt Gen Suresh Sharma, Former Engineer-in-Chief & Director General, Border Roads, Ministry of Defence, with extensive experience in sustainable infrastructure; and Dr. T.V. Ramachandra, Coordinator of the Energy and Wetlands Research Group at IISc, a distinguished voice in environmental research. About M3M Foundation M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group and is committed to bringing equitable development that ensures a life of dignity for every individual. The Foundation works on key areas such as education, healthcare, environment, disaster management, skill development, and community welfare. Programs like iMpower, Lakshya, Sarvoday, Saakshar, and Sankalp are empowering communities across India with sustainable, inclusive development models. About CASCA CASCA (Climate Action & Sustainability Conference and Awards) is a premier platform dedicated to recognizing outstanding contributions in the fields of climate action, environmental protection, and sustainable development. The event, organised by India's leading Impact Advocacy Platform TheCSRUniverse brings together thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers to share knowledge, best practices, and strategies for a sustainable future. More details: CASCA'25
