Trump cuts to advisory groups leaves hospitals without key expertise on disease

Congress's decision to eliminate over a billion dollars in funding for public media has not deterred independent nonprofits within the NPR network from continuing their work. The focus remains on holding powerful entities accountable through journalism essential for democracy. Recent reports highlight the significant impact of federal advisory groups on science and research, particularly in the context of public health.

One area of concern is the rise of drug-resistant organisms, specifically the fungus Candida auris, which has emerged as a serious threat in healthcare settings. The Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee, which was instrumental in addressing such infections, was terminated in March 2022. Experts argue that the loss of this committee hampers efforts to combat Candida auris, as it provided vital real-world insights and recommendations to the CDC based on the experiences of healthcare professionals.

Infectious disease specialists express alarm over the increasing cases of Candida auris in the U.S., attributing the rise partly to inadequate disinfection protocols. Without federal guidance and standardized recommendations, healthcare providers are left with inconsistent practices, making it challenging to control the spread of this dangerous fungus. The termination of advisory committees raises concerns among industry groups about the potential negative impact on urgently needed research and public health initiatives.

Under the Trump administration, dozens of advisory committees have been ended or frozen, including one on controlling infection in healthcare settings. NPR's Katia Riddle reports.

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