The US chief epidemiologist and visible face of the country’s response to the covid-19 pandemic, Anthony Fauciannounced this Monday that he will leave that position in December with the intention of taking advantage of what he has learned to continue contributing to the advancement of science and public health.
“Although I am leaving my current position, I am not retiring. After more than 50 years of government service, I plan to pursue the next phase of my career when I still have as much energy and passion for my field,” the immunology physician said in a statement. , 81 years old.
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Since the emergence of covid-19, Fauci has become the most popular face of the health emergency in the United States, with numerous appearances on radio and television programs to answer questions and try to combat the misinformation circulating about the pandemic.
The expert will leave in December the direction of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (Niaid), the head of the Niaid Immunoregulation Laboratory and his position as chief medical adviser to the current president, Democrat Joe Biden.
In his 38 years at the head of Niaid, he recalled that he has advised seven presidents, starting with the Republican Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) and including, among others, the also Republican Donald Trump (2017-2021), with whom he had notorious differences on the strategy to combat the pandemic.
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In his work he has faced problems ranging from HIV/AIDS to various bird flu epidemics.
“Thanks to the power of science and investments in research and innovation, the world has been able to fight deadly diseases and help save lives around the planet. I am proud to have been a part of this important work and look forward to helping continue to do so in the future.” future,” he said in his note.
In an interview on July 18 in the digital Politico, Fauci had already advanced that he planned to leave the post before Biden’s term ends in 2024.
“If someone says: ‘You will leave when there is no more covid’, then I will be 105 years old. I think we are going to live with this,” he said then.
After more than 50 years of government service, I plan to pursue the next phase of my career when I still have as much energy and passion for my field.
With Biden, who came to the White House in 2021, he coincided for the first time when the latter was vice president under the second and last term of Barack Obama (2009-2017).
“Whether you know him personally or not, he has touched the lives of all Americans through his work. I convey my deepest appreciation for his public service. America is stronger, more resilient and healthier because of him,” Biden said. in a statement after learning of his announcement.
Fauci received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008, the highest civilian distinction in the United States, the president recalled, also praising his “unwavering” commitment to work, his “scientific integrity” and his “unmatched” energy.
EFE
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