Nine former CDC directors are criticizing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s actions, claiming they endanger public health. They cite the firing of the CDC director, Dr. Susan Monarez, and numerous other high-level officials, along with the cancellation of vaccine research and the replacement of the CDC's vaccine advisory committee with vaccine skeptics. These actions, they argue, are weakening the CDC and leaving the US vulnerable to future health crises. They've called on Congress to investigate and for state and local governments to address funding shortfalls.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.