Lancet Scolds RFK Jr. on 1st Year as HHS Secretary

The medical journal The Lancet has issued a scathing critique of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s first year as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), labeling it “1 year of failure.” The editorial, published Friday, catalogues a series of actions taken under Kennedy’s leadership that the journal’s board argues have undermined public health and eroded trust in science. The assessment comes at a particularly fraught moment, as the U.S. Grapples with escalating measles outbreaks and declining vaccination rates.

The Lancet’s editorial doesn’t shy away from strong language, stating that the damage Kennedy has inflicted “might take generations to repair,” and expressing little optimism for the future of U.S. Health and science leadership while he remains in his position. The critique centers on several key areas: the dismissal of agency employees, revisions to established health guidelines, cuts to scientific research funding, and what the journal describes as the promotion of “junk science and fringe beliefs” regarding vaccines.

Measles Cases Surge Amidst Shifting Vaccine Policy

The timing of the Lancet’s editorial coincides with a concerning rise in measles cases across the United States. As of Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 1,000 cases in 2026, according to their latest data. This figure surpasses totals from previous years and raises the specter of the U.S. Losing its measles elimination status – a designation achieved in 2000. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The CDC’s measles data shows outbreaks in multiple states, fueled in part by declining vaccination rates. While the vast majority of cases are linked to unvaccinated individuals, the increasing number of outbreaks underscores the importance of maintaining high immunization coverage to protect community immunity.

Kennedy’s Actions and the Erosion of Scientific Consensus

The Lancet’s criticism extends beyond vaccine policy. The editorial alleges that Kennedy has undermined established scientific consensus on a range of health issues, citing his questioning of the safety and efficacy of vaccines, his promotion of alternative treatments, and his skepticism towards mainstream medical research. These actions, the journal argues, have created confusion and distrust among the public, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes.

In a podcast appearance last year, Kennedy expressed skepticism towards major medical journals, including The Lancet, suggesting they were influenced by the pharmaceutical industry. He has also threatened legal action against journals that publish articles critical of his views.

A History of Controversy: The Lancet and the Wakefield Paper

The Lancet’s current critique of Kennedy is particularly noteworthy given its own history with scientific controversy. In 1998, the journal published a now-discredited paper by Andrew Wakefield that falsely claimed a link between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. The paper was later retracted after it was revealed that Wakefield had falsified data and had undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. The retraction came more than a decade after the initial publication, as NPR reported. This history adds a layer of complexity to the journal’s current assessment of Kennedy, as critics may point to the past controversy to question the Lancet’s objectivity.

What Comes Next: Public Health Response and Ongoing Debate

The Lancet’s editorial is likely to further fuel the ongoing debate over Kennedy’s leadership at HHS and his approach to public health. While the Secretary has faced criticism from medical professionals and public health advocates, he also has staunch supporters who defend his efforts to challenge conventional wisdom and prioritize individual liberty.

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Director of the National Institutes of Health, defended Kennedy on X (formerly Twitter), stating that he was “fixing the mess they helped make.”

The CDC continues to monitor measles outbreaks and provide guidance to state and local health departments on vaccination and outbreak control measures. The agency emphasizes the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect communities from this highly contagious disease. Public health officials are also working to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, which contribute to declining immunization rates. The situation underscores the critical demand for evidence-based public health policies and a commitment to scientific integrity.

Looking ahead, the HHS will likely face continued scrutiny over its policies and priorities. The department’s response to the Lancet’s editorial and its efforts to address the ongoing measles outbreaks will be closely watched by the medical community and the public alike. An HHS spokesperson did not immediately respond to NPR’s request for comment.