Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s director of public health who led Americans through the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic under former President Donald Trump, will step down in December, he said. announced Monday.
Fauci, 81, has run the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) since 1984. He entered government service in 1968, joining the NIH, NIAID’s parent agency, at the age of 27. When General President Joe Biden took office last year, Fauci signed up as his chief medical adviser.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead NIAID, an extraordinary organization, for so many years and to overcome so many challenges in science and public health.” Fauci said in an official statement. “I am very proud of our many achievements. I have worked with — and learned from — countless talented and dedicated people in my own lab, at NIAID, at NIH and beyond. To them, I express my respect and gratitude. “
While Fauci admits that he is “moving from my current positions”, he stressed that he is “not retiring”.
“After more than 50 years of government service, I plan to pursue the next phase of my career while I still have a lot of energy and passion for my field,” said Fauci. “I want to use what I have learned as Director of NIAID to further advance science and public health, and to inspire and mentor the next generation of science leaders as they help prepare the world for future infectious disease threats.”
This breaking news story will be updated…
