Public Health Support: The Key to a Healthier Future for the Nation

The strength of a nation's future heavily relies on its investment in public health. Recently, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices identified 25 unverified reports of child deaths potentially linked to COVID-19 vaccines. This has prompted discussions about further restricting access not only to COVID-19 immunizations but also to other crucial vaccines such as hepatitis B and MMRV. However, these concerns are part of a political debate that risks undermining a system that has historically kept populations safe and healthy.

This current controversy is compounded by the broader context of funding cuts: thousands of federal health workers have been terminated, and over $11 billion in grants supporting vital health research and community programs have been eliminated. Such reductions in funding weaken the very foundation of public health, which is essential not only during pandemics but in everyday disease prevention.

Historically, the U.S. invests a small fraction, less than 3%, of its health spending in prevention efforts. Instead, the majority is channeled into treatment after illness occurs—an approach comparable to delaying maintenance on a critical infrastructure until it fails. Public health initiatives have dramatically increased life expectancy; in 1900, reaching 50 years was rare, and many children succumbed to infectious diseases. Today, the average life expectancy has risen to 78 years, and most individuals live to see their children grow up—a milestone driven by public health advances such as sanitation, vaccination, and safe food practices.

Countries like Japan, Denmark, and Australia exemplify the benefits of investing more heavily in prevention, often achieving longer life spans at a fraction of the cost compared to the United States. Despite higher healthcare spending, the U.S. lags behind in infant mortality and longevity, largely due to insufficient emphasis on preventive care.

Public health encompasses clean air and water, food safety, seatbelts, and vaccination programs—fundamental components that have eradicated diseases like smallpox and substantially reduced others. The misconception that the U.S. no longer needs these programs ignores the fact that the longer, healthier lives observed today are a direct result of these initiatives.

The recent political attacks on public health threaten to reverse these gains. For example, vaccine hesitancy has led to the largest measles outbreak in over three decades, highlighting the tangible consequences of reduced immunization efforts. Weakening public health infrastructure compromises our ability to respond swiftly to health crises and protect vulnerable populations.

Investing in public health is not perfect, but it remains the most effective strategy to save lives and promote wellness. Cutting funds and dismantling existing programs only increase the risks of disease spread, death, and long-term health costs. The history of public health shows that dedicated investment and accountability save lives—making it clear that the future of the nation depends on maintaining and strengthening these essential systems.