Core Points - The article highlights the deterioration of public health in the United States, with shorter life expectancy and higher disease rates compared to other high-income countries [1] - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has systematically undermined healthcare infrastructure by cutting thousands of health-related grants, including funding for cancer, epidemics, and chronic disease research [1][2] Funding Cuts - The new government has cut over $9.5 billion in approved but unallocated healthcare funding, with the largest reductions occurring at the CDC [2] - Significant cuts include $4.6 billion related to epidemics and $1.1 billion in vaccine funding, impacting free vaccinations for low-income children [2] - The National Institutes of Health (NIH) saw over 2,600 grants canceled, with $3.2 billion in promised funding disappearing, jeopardizing U.S. leadership in biomedical research [2] Impact on Research and Public Health - The cuts threaten the survival of over 40 million people globally living with HIV, including 1.2 million in the U.S., as 170 HIV prevention and treatment research grants were revoked [3] - Approximately 390 research projects on common chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes faced funding halved, while $578 million for medical training was also cut [3] - The closure of various health programs and offices, including those aimed at preparing low-income children for school, reflects a broader trend of dismantling essential health services [3] Mental Health and Disease Prevention - Despite a mental health crisis among American youth, funding for mental health, addiction, domestic violence, and suicide prevention programs has been significantly reduced [4] - The government has nearly eliminated centers dedicated to preventing accidental injuries, which are the leading cause of death among children [4] - The resurgence of preventable diseases, such as measles, is evident, with over 1,000 reported cases this year, primarily among unvaccinated individuals [4]