President Donald J. Trump will initiate a new executive order on Thursday, establishing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was recently confirmed as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, will head the group which is tasked with investigating the underlying factors contributing to the nation’s growing health issues, starting with childhood chronic diseases, according to the White House.
Earlier on Thursday, Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as HHS Secretary cleared the Senate 52 to 48, along a largely partisan line vote. The new commission, under the HHS Secretary’s guidance, aims to regain trust in medical and scientific bodies by holding public discussions and soliciting input from health experts. The White House stated that the commission’s initial efforts will also address adult chronic diseases like asthma and assess U.S. life expectancy compared to other countries.
The commission is expected to publish an evaluation of the childhood chronic disease situation within 100 days of its formation, with a subsequent strategy for improving children’s health within 180 days. Additionally, the commission will prioritize ensuring transparency in health data, promoting comprehensive research on chronic disease causes, collaborating with farmers for healthier, affordable food, and expanding treatment options for lifestyle changes and prevention efforts.
On the campaign trail, Kennedy and Trump committed to a focus on autism and asserted their intention to “Make America Healthy Again.”
