The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene expresses deep concern regarding the significant reductions in essential federal public health and scientific research personnel as a result of implementation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Workforce Optimization Initiative on February 15, 2025. This includes key personnel at the NIH, CDC, ASPR, FDA and USDA, following previously announced layoffs across USAID. Each of these agencies plays a unique and interrelated role in advancing science and health programs that protect the health and well-being of all Americans, as well as people around the world.
ASTMH warns that these broad workforce reductions will severely hinder health research efforts, compromising the safety of both the United States and the global community. The potential loss of professionals across the career spectrum —from those with a wealth of experience to the next generation of science and health leaders —are vital to advancing research and developing innovative solutions to existing and emerging health challenges.
ASTMH urgently calls on members of Congress to advocate to reverse this initiative's implementation. The U.S. must maintain a robust and capable workforce within these agencies to ensure the continued progress of health research and the protection of public health. This is not a partisan concern. We recognize that care is needed to ensure efficient use of U.S. taxpayer dollars, but these staffing cuts are haphazard, and not in U.S. strategic national interests, leaving gaps ultimately more costly to restaff and restart. There certainly are opportunities to optimize U.S. investment in health and research programs, but this requires proper consultation between Congress, Federal agencies and the broader health and research community.
There has long been bipartisan and bicameral support for health research and global health programs across the U.S. Federal government. We ask our members of Congress to stand in unison in speaking up to the U.S. Administration against enacting policies that will harm our country, now and for the long-term. Reversing the implementation of this DOGE initiative is consistent with the U.S.’s long-standing federally led efforts designed to make the United Staters safer, stronger and more prosperous. ASTMH thanks Congress for its leadership and stands ready to assist and provide additional input or expertise in any way we can.