US Department of Health and Human Services

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level department of the US federal government with the goal of protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services. Recent news highlights several controversies and policy shifts under the current administration. HHS is investigating states requiring abortion coverage in insurance plans, citing the Weldon Amendment. Changes to autism advisory committees and a push for increased nutrition education in medical schools, spearheaded by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have drawn criticism. The FDA, under HHS oversight, is facing scrutiny for its stance on artificial colors in food and its handling of Moderna's flu shot application, with some alleging an 'anti-vaccine agenda'. Furthermore, the NIH director's appointment as acting CDC director has raised concerns about potential agenda-driven policies. HHS also reversed course on cuts to mental health and substance use programs and suspended funds for needy families in some states, sparking further controversy. A US-funded vaccine study in Guinea-Bissau has also been suspended amid conflicting reports.