Deborah Birx confirmed as the new Global AIDS Coordinator

Washington, D.C. – Dr. Deborah L. Birx, an internationally renowned expert in the field of HIV/AIDS, was confirmed this week as the new Global AIDS Coordinator for the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) in the Department of State. The global AIDS coordinator is responsible for implementing the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a major implementer of the President’s plan, congratulated Dr. Birx. “Dr. Birx is a proven leader who can guide PEPFAR through its next critical phase. As a renowned national and international expert in the field of HIV and AIDS, Dr. Birx understands the important issues that PEPFAR must address as it works with partner countries to transition their own HIV responses into sustainable country-owned programs,” said USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Birx to achieve an AIDS-free generation, and we're grateful for Ambassador Goosby's leadership and service.” Dr. Birx previously served as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Global HIV/AIDS, where she oversaw implementation of CDC’s PEPFAR programs around the world.

She also served in the military for 28 years, including nine years as Director of the U.S. Military HIV Research Program, where she was instrumental in the development of the first clinical research study to show the possibility that a vaccine could protect against HIV. Dr. Birx succeeds the previous U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Ambassador Eric Goosby, who stepped down in late November 2013 to return to clinical research and practice.

USAID Assistant Administrator for Global Health, Dr. Ariel Pablos-Méndez, said, “Country ownership and health systems strengthening are critical in sustaining the programmatic successes we have had and will continue to have under PEPFAR. Dr. Birx’s leadership, expertise on HIV and AIDS, and incredible contributions to the global HIV response throughout her career as a physician scientist and skilled manager are sure to move PEPFAR toward our global goal of reaching an AIDS-free generation. We are excited to have her on board.”

The Gayly – April 5, 2014 @ 10:10am