Executives from Pfizer and Amazon See Opportunities with Trump’s Health Secretary Nominee to Manage Growing Health Risks
Excerpts from an interview with Politico this year, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the incoming U.S. health secretary nominee, has expressed a desire to implement a climate policy that “makes sense to skeptics and activists alike.” Kennedy has also emphasized the need to tackle chronic illnesses and ultra-processed foods that contribute to the decline in public health.
Speaking at the Reuters NEXT conference in New York, Amazon Pharmacy Chief Medical Officer Vin Gupta expressed optimism about Kennedy’s stance on health, stating, “Some of the comments he’s made I’m really optimistic about. As a physician – if that’s the focus – fantastic. We all want to work together.”
Pfizer Chief Sustainability Officer Caroline Roan highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering research that drives new vaccines and medicines, as well as ensuring patients worldwide can access them.
Amazon’s Gupta also acknowledged the polarization in the U.S. surrounding the need to address climate change, saying, “You say the word climate, and maybe half the country turns off or rolls their eyes. But if you talk about the health impacts of climate change, that actually polls incredibly well.”
He noted that people are more receptive to the message of health in relation to climate change, citing the potential health risks posed by air and dirty water. This, he believes, presents an opportunity to persuade voters and parties alike on the importance of addressing climate change.
To view a live broadcast of the World Stage, visit the Reuters NEXT news page.