WHO rubbishes Donald Trump's claim on autism, paracetamol

WHO on Donald Trump's claim on autism, paracetamol: In a latest update in Donald Trump's claim on autism, paracetamol, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated evidence of a link between the use of paracetamol during pregnancy and autism remains inconsistent, as per the reports of the Reuters.

What WHO said?

During a press briefing in Geneva, WHO spokesperson Tarik Jašarević, said "The evidence remains inconsistent." WHO response came after the US President Donald Trump on Monday stated the connection between autism and childhood vaccine use. He also made a claim about avoiding pain medication Tylenol, also known as paracetamol by pregnant women. 

He said, "We know that vaccines do not cause autism. Vaccines, as I said, save countless lives. So this is something that science has proven, and these things should not be really questioned." 

It is to be noted that earlier today, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had said that there was no new proof that would need changes to the region's current recommendations for the use of paracetamol for pregnant women.

Donald Trump's Statement

Donald Trump on Monday claimed that women should avoid the consumption of acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol in the US, during pregnancy, stating that it may be linked to rising autism rates in the country.

He was quoted saying, “I’ll say it. It’s not good. For this reason, they are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary." 

He also added, “I would say, wait until the baby is 12 years old and formed.” 

What's the controversy over vaccine policy?

Trump's statement came days after a Kennedy-picked advisory committee declined to recommend delaying the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine by a month, giving some relief to public health experts. Experts say delaying this vaccine could have serious consequences, as it is important in preventing diseases like liver damage and cancer.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration promoted a drug called leucovorin, previously used to treat side effects of chemotherapy, as a treatment for autism. On Monday, the FDA approved a tablet form of the drug for children with cerebral folate deficiency.