By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
The World Health Organization (WHO) has firmly rejected recent claims by U.S. President Donald Trump linking the use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy to autism and suggesting that vaccines may contribute to developmental disorders. These statements, made during a White House press conference on September 22, have been widely criticized by health experts and organizations worldwide.
Paracetamol and Autism
President Trump repeatedly advised pregnant women to avoid taking paracetamol, commonly known as Tylenol in the U.S., due to an alleged connection to autism. He stated, “Don’t take Tylenol,” urging expectant mothers to refrain from using the medication unless necessary for high fevers.
In response, the WHO emphasized that while some studies have explored a potential link between prenatal paracetamol use and autism, the evidence remains inconsistent and unproven. WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic stated, “Drawing conclusions from inconsistent evidence is not scientifically sound.” He further referenced a comprehensive 2024 Swedish study involving 2.5 million pregnancies, which found no causal relationship between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism. Leading researcher Viktor Ahlqvist noted that any observed correlation likely stemmed from underlying conditions rather than the medication itself.
Vaccines and Autism
President Trump also reiterated long-debunked claims that vaccines, particularly the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, are linked to autism. He advocated for changes to the childhood immunization schedule, including separating the MMR vaccine into individual shots and delaying the hepatitis B vaccine until age 12.
The WHO and other health authorities have consistently affirmed that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism. The organization emphasized that such misinformation undermines public trust in immunization programs and poses a risk to public health.
Global Health Community’s Response
The WHO’s position aligns with statements from various health organizations and experts. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have both confirmed that paracetamol is safe for use during pregnancy when taken at the recommended doses. Additionally, UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged the public to disregard President Trump’s medical assertions, emphasizing the importance of trusting scientific evidence and medical professionals.
Conclusion
The WHO continues to advocate for evidence-based health policies and urges the public to rely on scientific research and guidance from reputable health organizations. The organization remains committed to combating misinformation and ensuring that health decisions are made based on reliable data and expert advice.
