RFK Jr. Releases MAHA Commission Report: A Bold Plan for Children's Health

Unveiling the Make America Healthy Again Strategy

On September 9, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., released a comprehensive 20-page strategy report titled 'Make Our Children Healthy Again.' This report, commissioned by President Donald J. Trump through an executive order in February, outlines a sweeping plan to address the alarming rise in chronic illnesses among American children. It builds on an initial assessment delivered on May 22, which highlighted the urgent health crisis facing the nation's youth.

The strategy includes over 120 initiatives across multiple federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health. The focus is on tackling root causes of childhood chronic diseases through better nutrition, increased physical activity, and a thorough review of medical practices. Secretary Kennedy emphasized the severity of the situation at a press conference, stating, 'Thirty-eight percent of teens are now diabetic or pre-diabetic,' underscoring the scale of the health epidemic.

Key Health Concerns and National Security Implications

One of the most striking revelations in the MAHA report is the dramatic increase in autism rates, a concern particularly close to President Trump. Secretary Kennedy noted, 'The autism rates, which the president is particularly concerned with, have dropped from less than one in 10,000 in 1971 to one in every 31 kids today.' This statistic paints a troubling picture of the challenges facing American families and the future of the nation.

Additionally, the report addresses the impact of poor health on national security. Kennedy highlighted that '80 percent of young people cannot meet the physical qualifications for military service,' a figure that raises serious concerns about the readiness of future generations to serve. The MAHA Commission views these health issues as not just personal or familial, but as critical to the strength and security of the United States.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Reform

The MAHA strategy deliberately avoids heavy-handed new regulations, instead prioritizing voluntary industry compliance, cultural messaging, and new studies to inform policy. This approach reflects a commitment to practical solutions that respect American values of freedom and responsibility while still aiming for significant change. The report targets issues like ultra-processed foods and chemical exposures in everyday products, seeking to reshape public health priorities.

President Trump's administration has shown strong support for this initiative, with an executive action on the same day ordering the FDA to enforce rules on direct-to-consumer drug advertisements. This move complements the MAHA report's broader goals of reducing harmful influences on children's health. Under Secretary Kennedy's guidance, the commission aims to foster a healthier, stronger America by addressing these pressing issues head-on, ensuring that future generations can thrive.

The full MAHA Commission Strategy report is available at:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/The-MAHA-Strategy-WH.pdf