Sweden’s former state epidemiologist, Anders Gisslén, has publicly criticized the Swedish Public Health Agency’s (FHM) recent emphasis on “existential health” – focusing on mental wellbeing and societal factors – during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gisslén expressed concern that this focus detracted from core epidemiological work and traditional public health measures. He stated that the shift in priorities felt “very unserious” given the ongoing health crisis. His comments suggest a disagreement over the appropriate response to the pandemic and the agency’s allocation of resources. Gisslén’s critique raises questions about the balance between addressing broader societal wellbeing and managing immediate public health threats. The FHM has not yet responded to Gisslén’s statements. This controversy highlights ongoing debate regarding pandemic response strategies within Sweden.