Ashwin Vasan

Thoughts on the tragic events @cdcgov.govmirrors.com. Love and support to all public health workers.

New York can fight against Trump’s Medicaid cuts The signing into law of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is not just a setback, it’s a blow to millions of low-income Americans. For New Yorkers, it lands like a gut punch.

The federal government's cuts to Medicaid won’t just hit balance sheets, they will devastate lives.

But we are not helpless. And New York is uniquely positioned to chart a bold path forward, if we choose to act.

My latest in @nydailynews.com

www.nydailynews.com/2025/07/18/n...

Opinion: Don't let politics obscure a health victory in New York The legacy of former New York City Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan shows how effective governance can transcend political turbulence.

My friend Nirav Shah wrote a wonderful piece about our work to improve health in NYC, despite the political headwinds. See here in @cityandstateny.bsky.social

www.cityandstateny.com/opinion/2025...

Trump's Health Agenda Is a Wake-Up Call for Cities and States Former NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan explores what Trump’s nominations of RFK Jr. and David Weldon mean for health policy in cities and states.

I wrote this as a set of principles and not in response to every EO and freeze as announced…but the point remains, time for states and cities to step up for health, because the Feds won’t for the next 4 yrs. Thx @timemagazine.bsky.social for putting this out on RFKs big day

time.com/7210584/trum...

State Department Permits Distribution of H.I.V. Medications to Resume — for Now Experts fear a resurgence of infections in low-income countries if the ban were to continue. The waiver remains in place, while officials review foreign aid programs.

Thanks goodness. You don’t have to burn the forest if you want to trim the trees.

www.nytimes.com/2025/01/28/h...

Retreat from Global HIV Fight Puts U.S. Health At Risk | Think Global Health With news that HIV/AIDS funding is stalled, Congress should remember the AIDS epidemic and commit to funding PEPFAR

I’ve written before on my regard for PEPFAR, see here @thinkglobalhealth.bsky.social

www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/retr...

Trump Administration Halts H.I.V. Drug Distribution in Poor Countries PEPFAR’s computer systems also are being taken offline, a sign that the program may not return, as Republican critics had hoped.

Hey POTUS it is possible to “review” programs without stopping them completely. PEPFAR is a crown jewel in global health and this will definitely cost lives as people cannot stay on their meds. TOTALLY needless and cruel. But I guess that’s the point.

www.nytimes.com/2025/01/27/h...

Ok Ben Johnson is good. #GoBears

How do I pin this tweet?

The Bears are, I think, the worst-coached professional sports team I’ve…ever seen?

Just heading home from Faster Cures conference in DC. Great speakers, including many past & present federal health agency leaders and politicians.

But quote of the week goes to Ashwin Vasan (ex-Health Commissioner, New York):

“Health is Freedom!”

Well said.

Sorry to have missed you Martin!

RFK Jr. Could Have Vast Powers Over Public Health: “He Wants a Bigger Role” Insiders tell Vanity Fair that the political scion and prominent vaccine skeptic is eyeing a role as White House czar overseeing the entire federal health apparatus, as well as the USDA and EPA. Some ...

RFK Jr’s nomination is a mistake.

HHS is too important to American healthcare, prevention, child welfare, and global health, to appoint a leader who has made a career on misguided views on science, medicine and wellbeing. It makes us less healthy and less safe.

www.vanityfair.com/news/story/r...

What is this place?