The European Public Health Association (EUPHA) expresses its deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of the recent purported dismissal of Dr. Susan Monarez as Director of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This abrupt and politically charged decision undermines the integrity of public health leadership and threatens the independence of one of the world’s most important health institutions.
Dr. Monarez, a respected scientist and public health leader, was appointed to lead the CDC during a period of global health uncertainty. Her tenure was marked by her commitment to evidence-based policy, transparent communication, and international collaboration. Her removal, reportedly following political pressure related to CDC guidance, sends a chilling message to public health professionals worldwide: that scientific integrity may be sacrificed for political expediency.
EUPHA stands firmly in defence of the independence of public health institutions. The CDC has long been a cornerstone of global health security, providing leadership in infectious disease control, chronic disease prevention, and emergency response. Its credibility depends on its ability to operate free from political interference. The dismissal of its director for reasons that appear to be politically motivated erodes trust not only within the United States but across the international public health community.
We are particularly alarmed by reports that Dr. Monarez’s ousting followed her refusal to support ideological and misleading views on vaccines. Vaccines have been among the most important tools of public health, saving many millions of lives. Silencing or punishing leaders who refuse to go along with such dangerous disinformation is not only unethical. It is dangerous.
This action also risks setting a precedent that could embolden some European governments to interfere with public health agencies, especially when scientific findings challenge political or economic interests. In an era of rising misinformation and declining public trust, the independence of health institutions must be fiercely protected, not undermined.
EUPHA stands in solidarity with the staff of the CDC, who continue to work under increasingly difficult conditions. Their dedication to protecting public health, often in the face of political pressure, is commendable and essential. We also urge Congress to investigate the circumstances surrounding Dr. Monarez’s purported dismissal and to enact safeguards that protect the CDC’s autonomy.
Public health is not a partisan issue. The health and safety of populations depend on the ability of experts to speak truthfully, act decisively, and lead without fear of reprisal. The dismissal of Dr. Susan Monarez is a grave misstep that must be addressed with transparency and accountability.
Finally, EUPHA remains committed to supporting our colleagues in the United States and around the world in defending the principles of scientific independence, ethical leadership, and public trust. We will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize health over politics and for leaders who embody the values of courage, integrity, and service.
