Statement: Grave Concerns About Mass Layoffs at NIH and CDC

April 2, 2025 — The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) expresses its grave concerns regarding the mass layoffs and reassignments that took place across the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yesterday. These drastic measures threaten to undermine decades of progress in health research and place at risk the critical work being done to combat emerging and enduring diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations here and around the world.
 
The NIH and CDC have long been pillars of public health, spearheading groundbreaking research that has saved millions of lives. From the eradication of smallpox to efforts aimed at tackling malaria, neglected tropical diseases and emerging diseases like Ebola and Zika, these agencies have been at the forefront of advancing scientific knowledge, providing life-saving interventions, and strengthening health systems globally as well as in the U.S.
 
The impact of these cuts on the scientific workforce is immediate and far-reaching. The loss of experienced researchers and staff will delay critical research initiatives and hinder our ability to respond quickly to emerging global health threats that can strike our populations at any time.
 
Moreover, this decision sends a troubling message about the value placed on the importance of investing in long-term scientific solutions. Addressing global health challenges requires sustained commitment, collaboration and resources. We fear that Tuesday’s drastic decisions will erode trust in the U.S. as a partner in the fight against infectious diseases and diminish the ability of the health community to achieve lasting solutions.
 
The ASTMH calls on the U.S. government to reconsider these cuts, to prioritize the stability of the public health workforce, and to renew its commitment to health research. Our community of scientists, clinicians and public health professionals are aligned in recognizing the value of considering improvements to the CDC and the NIH but stress the importance of careful and considered decisions. We stand ready to contribute our expertise as the U.S. Administration considers fresh approaches to disease prevention and treatment.
 
While institutional reforms are needed, sustaining the unparalleled expertise of the workforce within CDC and NIH is vital for the American people—and, indeed, the world.