Institutions move to provide data now found in CDC MMWR journal
The federal government’s public health infrastructure is getting a much-needed boost with the collaboration of two renowned institutions. The New England Journal of Medicine and the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy have joined forces to create an alternative to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) – often referred to as “the voice of the CDC.”
During the IDWeek conference, CIDRAP Director Michael Osterholm announced the upcoming publication of “public health alerts” by the two institutions. These alerts will serve as a timely way to convey crucial information that was traditionally shared through the MMWR. Osterholm encouraged infectious disease specialists to submit outbreaks or data that they believe should be evaluated for inclusion in the alerts.
A spokesperson for NEJM revealed that the alerts will be featured in a new section of the NEJM Evidence journal as needed, rather than on a weekly basis. The content will be made available for free, offering essential data on disease outbreaks and other public health issues. The collaboration with CIDRAP aims to disseminate these alerts rapidly to a wide audience.
The MMWR has been a cornerstone of public health since its inception in 1952, providing critical information on new outbreaks and emerging diseases. However, trust in the publication has wavered in recent years due to interruptions in publication during the Trump administration and government shutdowns. The recent layoffs and reinstatements of the MMWR team have further raised concerns about its independence and reliability.
CIDRAP has taken on additional responsibilities typically handled by the federal government, such as the creation of the Vaccine Integrity Project. This initiative has offered alternative vaccine recommendations to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and has garnered support from professional societies like the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Osterholm highlighted CIDRAP’s efforts to strengthen public health infrastructure amid limited political support. The center has secured funding for graduate students from private foundations and plans to collaborate with over 65 foundations to support scientific endeavors. This proactive approach aims to ensure that vital public health information continues to be disseminated effectively and accurately.
In a time where public health is more critical than ever, the collaboration between NEJM and CIDRAP offers a promising alternative to the traditional MMWR. By leveraging their expertise and resources, these institutions are poised to fill gaps in the public health landscape and provide timely, reliable information to practitioners and the public alike.
