Minister, who had his visa blocked, says his only concern with Washington is the explosion in measles cases
The Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, said this Monday (May 11, 2026) that he was not worried about the validation of his visa by the United States.
On May 7, Lula met with Donald Trump (Republican Party) at the White House and with around 20 names of Brazilians still with visas revoked. The PT member demanded a resolution of the issue. Among those affected are Padilha and his daughter.
“Honestly, I’m not even worried about it,” said the minister. “My only concern about the US is the measles cases there.”
In Padilha’s assessment, the Trump administration irresponsibly carried out vaccination against measles and other childhood diseases. “For me, it’s not a personal issue”said the minister. “The concern I have with the United States today is the irresponsible way in which it handled the issue of measles vaccination, childhood vaccines. It will host the World Cup now.”
Measles is now exploding in the USA, Mexico and Canada. The 3 countries will host the World Cup. The ministry advises anyone planning to go to the games to check their vaccination status before traveling.
The minister also criticized the American stance in relation to the WHO (World Health Organization). He said that the Brazilian government’s concern is the threat of the US leaving the organization and the pressure for other countries to do the same – a topic that should return to the agenda at the WHO General Assembly, scheduled for next week.
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