Major Staff Reductions at U.S. Health Agencies Announced
Significant layoffs across the FDA, CDC, NIH, and CMS will cut thousands of jobs, impacting areas from drug review and research funding to public health programs. The planned reductions were announced in early April 2025.
Published on April 8, 2025
Across several key U.S. health agencies, significant layoffs have been confirmed. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to lose 3,500 employees, affecting drug and medical device reviews as well as tobacco product policies. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will cut approximately 2,400 jobs, impacting programs related to asthma, smoking, gun violence, and climate change.
In addition, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is expected to see 1,200 job losses, including positions held by researchers and key staff administering research funding, while the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will reduce its workforce by 300, focusing on offices dedicated to minority health and equal rights. These measures, reported as of early April 2025, have raised concerns over potential long-term impacts on public health initiatives and medical research as noted by supplemental coverage from various reputable sources.