Fact check: Vaccines and modern medicine, not RFK Jr., have decimated deadly diseases, and it mocks RFK Jr. by suggesting he contributed nothing

1. Summary of the results

The statement that vaccines and modern medicine, not RFK Jr., have decimated deadly diseases is supported by multiple analyses ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}. These sources highlight the crucial role of vaccines and modern medicine in preventing diseases and reducing disease burden ^[4]. The analyses also criticize RFK Jr. for spreading misinformation about vaccines, which could lead to a resurgence in vaccine-preventable infections and undermine trust in the medical system ^[1]. Additionally, the sources note that many of RFK Jr.'s statements on health policy are misleading or not supported by scientific evidence ^[3]. The claim that vaccines and modern medicine have reduced deadly diseases is further supported by the fact that most of the increase in U.S. life expectancy is attributable to public health achievements such as vaccines ^[5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some sources do not provide a direct assessment of the statement, as they either focus on the history and development of public health systems without addressing vaccines, modern medicine, or RFK Jr. ^[6], or they discuss the impact of modern medical advances without mentioning RFK Jr. or any mockery of him ^[4]. Furthermore, the statement's claim that it "mocks RFK Jr. by suggesting he contributed nothing" is not directly addressed by most sources, which instead focus on the importance of vaccines and modern medicine in preventing diseases ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of RFK Jr.'s actions as health secretary, including his broken promises and the potential consequences of his decisions on vaccine policy ^[2].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be seen as biased against RFK Jr., as it criticizes his views on vaccines and health policy without providing a balanced assessment of his contributions ^{[1] [2] [3]}. The statement's claim that it "mocks RFK Jr. by suggesting he contributed nothing" may be perceived as an exaggeration or a misrepresentation of his actual contributions ^[1]. On the other hand, the sources that support the statement's claim about the importance of vaccines and modern medicine may be seen as benefiting from a pro-vaccine and pro-modern medicine agenda ^{[4] [5]}. The American Progress and Brookings institutions, which published some of the analyses, may benefit from promoting a pro-vaccine and pro-modern medicine narrative, as it aligns with their goals of promoting public health and combating misinformation ^{[1] [2]}.