NIH Official Advocates for MAHA Strategy Amidst ADA Skepticism
Richard Woychik, a senior adviser to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), endorsed the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) strategy at the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) 2026 scientific sessions. The strategy, supported by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aims to integrate NIH-wide innovation to better understand and prevent diabetes. Woychik emphasized the need for an integrated approach to chronic diseases, highlighting diabetes as a key area. His speech followed the cancellation of NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya's appearance due to a scheduling conflict with President Trump. Woychik faced criticism from ADA's chief scientific officer, Rita Kalyani, regarding funding cuts and the erosion of research institutions. Despite skepticism, Woychik defended the strategy, citing the importance of understanding the root causes of chronic diseases.