NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya to Lead CDC Temporarily Amidst Leadership Changes

WASHINGTON — Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will assume the role of acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to announcements made on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This appointment marks the latest in a series of leadership transitions at the public health agency.

Recent CDC Leadership Turnover

Bhattacharya replaces Jim O’Neill, who previously served as acting director and Deputy Secretary of the Health and Human Services Department. O’Neill’s departure comes as he is nominated to lead the National Science Foundation . Prior to O’Neill, Susan Monarez led the CDC for a brief 28 days before being fired by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. .

Context of the Changes

Monarez’s dismissal stemmed from disagreements with Kennedy regarding changes to vaccine policy, which she believed contradicted scientific evidence . Her ousting led to the resignations of four senior CDC officials who cited concerns over anti-vaccine policies and misinformation promoted by Kennedy and his team . O’Neill, during his tenure, approved changes that reduced the number of recommended pediatric vaccines .

Bhattacharya’s Role

Dr. Bhattacharya will continue to serve as director of the NIH while also leading the CDC on an acting basis until a permanent director is nominated and confirmed . He gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic for his opposition to lockdowns .

Ongoing Instability at Federal Health Agencies

The leadership changes at the CDC are part of a broader pattern of instability within federal health agencies. The NIH has also experienced significant turnover, with more than half of its 27 institutes and centers currently lacking permanent directors .