Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, known for his support of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement and criticism of COVID-19 vaccinations, has been appointed as the principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the appointment to NBC News, although it has yet to be made public.
This high-level position positions Abraham as a significant advisor on various public health matters. The three-term former Louisiana congressman has a diverse background, having practiced as a veterinarian for a decade before shifting to medicine. He served as a family medicine physician before taking on the role of state surgeon general last year.
Despite his experience, concerns have emerged regarding Abraham’s qualifications. While he is licensed to practice medicine in Louisiana, reports indicate that he may not hold board certification in family medicine, raising questions about his credentials and expertise in the primary care field. While board certification isn’t compulsory for medical practice, it is often perceived as a mark of authenticity and competence.
In his new role, Abraham becomes the highest-ranking scientist at the CDC, as current acting director Jim O’Neill is not a medical doctor. Dr. Richard Besser, who served as acting director during the Obama administration, expressed concern that Abraham’s appointment might align with the vaccine skepticism promoted by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Besser fears that Abraham could further this agenda rather than challenge it.
Abraham has actively voiced his dissent regarding COVID-19 vaccines, claiming that he witnesses related injuries regularly, although specific details about these injuries were not provided. Notably, in an internal memo, he directed the state Health Department to cease promoting mass vaccination campaigns, a shift observed during a time when Louisiana reported the country’s highest levels of flu-like illnesses, despite generally low flu activity for the season.
Under Abraham’s leadership, there have been delays in public health alerts, highlighted by a significant lag following the deaths of two infants due to whooping cough. Additionally, his promotion of leucovorin as a potential treatment for some children with autism has garnered attention, although substantial evidence supporting its efficacy across a broader population remains sparse.
Abraham’s political background also includes a gubernatorial campaign in 2019 where he targeted abortion rights and the transgender community, addressing issues that resonate with a segment of the Republican voter base. As he assumes this influential role at the CDC, both supporters and critics will be watching to see how his views shape public health policy in the United States.