In response to the increasing emphasis on promoting a healthier America, many individuals have found themselves perplexed by the campaign to “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA). This confusion is addressed in a new series titled “The Road to Make America Healthy Again (MAHA),” which explores the origins, conspiracy theories, and power dynamics currently influencing the health landscape in the United States.
During a visit to families affected by measles in Texas, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, emphasized on the social media platform X that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective tool to prevent the spread of measles. However, Kennedy Jr.’s history of supporting the anti-vaccination movement and promoting unverified alternative medicines has raised concerns among public health officials, parents, and even MAHA supporters.
In the second installment of the Road to MAHA series, NPR’s senior science and health editor, Maria Godoy, and NBC News senior reporter, Brandy Zadrozny, examine how anti-vaccine rhetoric has contributed to the current public health climate.
This episode of the series was produced by Alexis Williams and edited by Neena Pathak. Barton Girdwood served as the Supervising Producer, with Veralyn Williams as the Executive Producer. The Vice President of Programming is Yolanda Sangweni.
