Summary
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is meeting to address challenges facing public health in the U.S., particularly due to changes by President Trump's administration and the rise of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. MAHA, led by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is proposing significant changes to the health system, focusing on individual medical choices. The APHA conference in Washington, D.C. aims to defend traditional public health practices.
Key Facts
- The APHA is holding its annual meeting in Washington, D.C., with over 11,000 public health leaders attending.
- President Trump's administration is reducing staffing and funding for public health systems.
- The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement is led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- MAHA promotes individual medical choice and criticizes current health system norms.
- APHA's meeting includes sessions defending traditional public health methodologies.
- Public health leaders claim MAHA's solutions lack a strong evidence base.
- Dr. Georges Benjamin has led the APHA for nearly 25 years, witnessing significant health system changes.
- The conference concludes with a rally on the National Mall titled "Rally for the Nation's Health."
