PIDS Letter to Members of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee

Dear Senate HELP Committee,

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) is the world’s largest organization of professionals dedicated to the treatment, control, and eradication of infectious diseases affecting children. Our mission is to enhance the health of infants, children and adolescents by promoting excellence in diagnosis, management and prevention of infectious diseases through clinical care, education, research and advocacy. We write to you today regarding the confirmation vote on the director position for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the confirmation hearing for the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As physicians, doctoral-level scientists, advanced practice providers, and others whose careers are dedicated to pediatric infectious diseases, we recognize the pivotal roles the NIH and CDC have played in our ability to prevent or manage infectious diseases in children, to protect public health, and to give the children in our care the best chances we can for long, healthy lives. Our capacity to fully pursue our mission is dependent on steadfast leadership at the NIH and CDC, and a continued commitment to infectious diseases at these organizations.

Recent polling (Gallup) found “a majority of U.S. adults, 58%, are worried that there will be another global pandemic in their lifetime, including 16% who are ‘very worried’ and 42% ‘somewhat worried.’” Americans are right to be concerned. We are but five years removed from the onset of COVID-19, cases of influenza are surging with 57 reported pediatric deaths (CDC) this season, avian flu could adapt to spread amongst humans, and the outbreak of measles exploding in Texas and New Mexico has already claimed the life of one child. Leadership at NIH and CDC will define how we navigate potential crises such as these now and in the years ahead.

As scientists, we rely on NIH’s established, dispassionate approach to funding research and discovery. This has led to NIH directly contributing to advancements in diagnostic efficacy, infection prevention, vaccine development, best practice guidelines, and more for our field. Limiting research models, report language, or execution of funding could undermine confidence in any results, or worse, threaten our standing as a global leader in scientific research. We feel children deserve the very best science should guide our decisions and drive improvements in their health.

As infectious diseases professionals, we rely on CDC’s guidance in protecting Americans from public health threats. PIDS members have been proud to volunteer to serve in roles with CDC, including the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), that have helped shape public health and address vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles. Keeping children healthy throughout childhood leads to better, healthier lives as adults. We know there are many chronic diseases or conditions that can often be traced to infectious diseases in childhood, and we are eager to continue to help eradicating the infectious diseases responsible with the aid of public health initiatives from CDC.

PIDS recognizes the importance of your roles in the advice and consent process of executive branch nominees. We believe the leadership of these two organizations are critical to the country’s ability to lead the world in scientific research and protect Americans’ long-term health. As you consider your respective votes, we ask that you choose leaders who will enable pediatric infectious diseases clinicians, researchers, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to promote the health and well-being of children through the prevention and control of infectious diseases worldwide. We are grateful for your time and consideration in making these decisions.

Sincerely,

Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society