(Becker News) Move over, Dr. Fauci. There’s a new embodiment of “The Science” in town.
Federal officials on Wednesday announced the appointment of Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo as the incoming director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). This position was previously held by Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Presently serving as the director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at UAB, Dr. Marrazzo gained substantial visibility through her numerous media appearances during the COVID-19 pandemic. She joined UAB in 2016, transferring from the University of Washington, and possesses substantial expertise in the field of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
Dr. Lawrence Tabak, acting director for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), expressed his anticipation in a press statement, acknowledging Dr. Marrazzo’s considerable experience in leading international clinical trials and translational research, as well as managing significant research budgets and guiding professionals at various stages of their career development.
“Dr. Marrazzo brings a wealth of leadership experience from leading international clinical trials and translational research, managing a complex organizational budget that includes research funding and mentoring trainees in all stages of professional development,” Dr. Tabak said. “I look forward to welcoming Dr. Marrazzo to the NIH leadership team.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci served as NIAID director from 1984 until his retirement in 2022, skillfully guiding the agency through major health crises such as the AIDS/HIV epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, earning him nationwide recognition as a prominent medical expert. His tenure was not without controversy, having faced resistance from AIDS activists in the 80s and 90s, and those opposing COVID and vaccine mandates during the pandemic.
In August 2021, Dr. Marrazzo issued an ‘apocalyptic‘ warning about Covid-19 and issued the following advice.
“Please consider wearing a mask when you go out,” she said, “You don’t need to wear one when you’re at home. Masks in young people going to school over the age of six. All the things we’ve been talking about, mask, wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing.”
“Masks have contributed to the control of this pandemic in other communities,” she added. “Even mask wearing, except when you’re eating, you can prevent it with very good masks. Three basic rules. Wear a mask. Make sure you wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer and keep your distance.”
Virtually everything the experts advised about the Covid pandemic turned out to be wrong. Masks did not prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, which proved to be nearly universal in exposure.
Dr. Fauci officially retired on December 31, 2022, and Dr. Marrazzo will assume her role in the fall of 2023, as stated by UAB.
In her new role, Dr. Marrazzo will manage a $6.3 billion budget allocated for research into innovative treatments for infectious diseases and allergies. NIAID, with its 21 laboratories including the Vaccine Research Center, conducts extensive research and tracks disease outbreaks domestically and internationally.
