The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and
Malaria enthusiastically praised the nomination of Deborah Birx to be the next
Global AIDS Coordinator for the United States, leading the President's
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and managing the U.S. Government’s
relationship with the Global Fund.
Dr. Birx, a distinguished public health expert, has
served as Director of the Division of Global HIV/AIDS at the Center for Disease
Control since 2005. Trained as a clinician in immunology, she has dedicated her
life to changing the course of HIV/AIDS, with nearly two decades of
international experience in Africa and Asia.
"Dr. Birx is a true leader in global health,
and her rich experience makes her an exceptional choice,” said Dr. Nafsiah
Mboi, Chair of the Board of the Global Fund. “We are very excited to work
together with her in our common mission to defeat AIDS, TB and malaria.”
Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund,
added: “Debbi is absolutely outstanding. She is one of the best
scientist-policy makers around, and she is also a great pleasure to work with.
We look forward to doing great things together.”
Dr. Birx began her career as a clinician in
pediatric and adult immunology, focusing on clinical HIV/AIDS, vaccine research
and global health. She served as Assistant Chief of the Allergy Immunology
Service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and earned the U.S. Meritorious
Service Medal for her leadership in refining, validating, and standardizing
cell-mediated immunity testing in HIV-infected patients.
During her military career, Dr. Birx brought
together the Navy, Army, and Air Force in a new model of cooperation increasing
the efficiency and effectiveness of the U.S. Military’s HIV/AIDS clinical and
basic research.
Once confirmed, Dr. Birx will succeed Ambassador
Eric Goosby, who was U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator between 2009 and 2013.
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