Anthony Fauci’s replacement is finally revealed: The new head of NIAID is Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, an Alabama doctor who pushed for face masks in schools and not shaking hands to avoid Covid

An Alabama doctor who championed STD research has been unveiled as the new head of America’s top infectious disease health agency.

Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, will begin her role as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the fall.

She has big shoes to fill, with that position Dr Anthony Fauci, 82, held for nearly four decades before stepping down in December 2022.

Responding to today’s announcement, Dr. Fauci wished her well but warned she is taking on the mantle at a time of “political division” – a nod to the erosion of public trust in the NIAID and other health agencies like the CDC and the FDA during the Covid-19. pandemic.

Dr. Marrazzo is an accomplished infectious disease physician and researcher in her work on HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and LGBTQ+ health, but her comments during the Covid-19 pandemic may raise some eyebrows.

Dr. Marrazzo pushed for masks to be worn in schools during the pandemic despite warnings that face coverings would hinder their education.

She said in July 2020 that masking students is “the only way to keep kids in school and keep them safe, and most importantly keep schools open.”

Dr. Marrazzo said she believed the school’s mask policy was right, even though some students may not follow it well or find it uncomfortable.

The infectious disease specialist added: ‘Imperfect mask use in environments where we are really concerned is better than no mask use at all’.

As recently as November, Dr. Marrazzo said she continues to avoid hands as much as possible because of Covid-19.

‘Dr. Marrazzo brings a wealth of leadership experience leading international clinical trials and translational research, managing a complex organizational budget that includes research funding, and guiding interns through all stages of professional development,” said Dr. Lawrence Tabak, acting director of the NIH.

“I look forward to welcoming Dr. Marrazzo to the NIH leadership team.”

Her previous work has focused on contraceptives, women’s health, HIV and STIs, sexual health and health issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, both nationally and internationally, as well as health inequalities and equality and cross-disciplinary collaborative research.

The NIAID is the NIH’s second-largest center and supports research to advance the diagnosis and treatment of infectious, immunological, and allergic diseases. It played a crucial role in the Covid-19 pandemic, including in vaccine development.

Dr. Marrazzo steps into the role during a tumultuous time for the Federal Health Service, which has seen the public’s trust in her wane.

Americans have expressed disapproval of the institution’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing scandals, including the controversy that has thrown Dr. Fauci into trouble.

The former top health official has been accused of lying under oath about statements he made about the pandemic and his knowledge of dangerous virus research in China, which is feared to have caused the pandemic.

Dr. Fauci said he was pleased with Dr Marrazzo’s appointment but warned of the difficult road ahead.

“What she’s facing now is going to be a very complicated issue of a number of emerging diseases, a high degree of advanced technology that is really an important part of infectious disease research,” he said. told CNN.

Dr. Fauci added: “She’s also going to have to deal with, you know, unfortunately, as we’ve seen over the last few years, a very divisive political environment, where there’s been an unfortunate politicization of some of the science.

“She can be challenged with, you know, attacks on her decisions, but she just has to realize that she always, always, has to do her best to make her North Star science, evidence, and integrity, and honesty. If she does, she’ll be fine.”