Calls for new progressive leadership in CDC's Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) program and a more appropriate location in the CDC organization, as well as concerns about use of CDC funds for CFS.
The HHS Scientific Advisory Committee for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the International Association for CFS/ME have formally recommended a change of leadership at the CDC that can achieve efficient meaningful progress in CFS research, clinical care and education. They recommend "that the CDC needs to identify a CFS program leader who is a progressive, open-minded, and dynamic manager with a sense of urgency commensurate with the pressing needs of the CFS community." Based on estimates of increasing prevalence and the poor track record after 25 years of effort, the IACFS/ME is highly critical of the proposed 5 year strategic plan and urges that the CFS program be relocated to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion which "contains the necessary expertise and leadership critical to establishing interventions to detect, control and prevent CFS."
Also at issue is the possible misuse of funds. Formally testifying before the CFSAC, Kim McCleary, President and CEO of the CFIDS Association of America, detailed concerns about the management of CDC funds allocated for CFS research.
CDC Chatter
