Category: Public Health

KFF Health News’ ‘What the Health?’: Federal Health Work in Flux

It’s the Trump administration vs. the federal courts, as the Department of Government Efficiency continues to try to cancel federal contracts and programs and fire workers. But in the haste to cut things, jobs and programs are being eliminated even if they align with the new administration’s goal to “Make America Healthy Again.” Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, and Rachel Roubein of The Washington Post join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more.

KFF Health News’ ‘What the Health?’: Federal Health Work in Flux

It’s the Trump administration vs. the federal courts, as the Department of Government Efficiency continues to try to cancel federal contracts and programs and fire workers. But in the haste to cut things, jobs and programs are being eliminated even if they align with the new administration’s goal to “Make America Healthy Again.” Jessie Hellmann of CQ Roll Call, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, and Rachel Roubein of The Washington Post join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more.

Global Parkinson's disease cases to double by 2050: Study

The number of people living with Parkinson’s disease will more than double by 2050, according to a study based on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. 

Measles cases surpass 2024 total: 3 notes

At least 320 measles cases have been reported in the U.S. so far this year, surpassing the total from all of 2024, according to the latest data from state health departments compiled by NBC News. 

Scientist Whose Work Led FDA To Ban Food Dye Says Agency Overstated Risk

Almost 40 years ago, Joseph Borzelleca published a study on red dye No. 3, a petroleum-based food coloring. The FDA cited his work to ban the additive in January. But Borzelleca says it’s safe.

Scientists Say NIH Officials Told Them To Scrub mRNA References on Grants

Two senior scientists say National Institutes of Health officials advised them to remove references to mRNA vaccines in grant applications, and they fear the Trump administration will abandon a promising field of medical research.

FDA issues flu vaccine recommendations: 5 respiratory updates

The FDA made recommendations to vaccine manufacturers for the virus strains to be used in the next batch of flu vaccines, according to a March 13 news release from the agency. 

4 bird flu updates

As federal agencies struggle to rehire fired employees who were working on the U.S. bird flu outbreak, experts in infectious diseases and public health are increasingly voicing their concerns about the outbreak’s spread. 

Americans' self-reported mental, physical health at 24-year low: Gallup

Americans’ self-reported physical and mental health ratings have reached their lowest levels in more than two decades, according to a March 13 Gallup report.

Progressives Seek Health Privacy Protections in California, But Newsom Could Balk

Democratic state lawmakers in California have proposed bills to protect women, transgender people, and immigrants in response to concerns that their health data could be used against them. If the measures reach his desk, Gov. Gavin Newsom could lay such legislation aside to focus on securing federal funds.