Erica Schwartz confirmed as new CDC chief amid US agency turmoil
Summary
The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She is the first confirmed CDC head since last year and takes over during a time of low staff morale and many resignations.Key Facts
- Dr. Erica Schwartz was confirmed by the Senate with a 51-44 vote.
- She is the first CDC director confirmed since Susan Monarez was fired in the Trump administration.
- The CDC has lost about 3,000 workers due to resignations and layoffs.
- Many departures were related to disagreements over vaccine policies under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr.
- Schwartz holds medical and law degrees and was previously deputy surgeon general.
- She faces challenges like a measles outbreak, reduced child vaccination rates, and a cyclospora parasite outbreak.
- Some lawmakers initially questioned if she would follow science or political orders but later showed more confidence in her.
- Public health groups emphasize the need for Schwartz to protect science-based guidance and public health workers.
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