Anthony Fauci announced his resignation from the US government in December

Fauci, 81, a world-renowned doctor during the Covid-19 pandemic, has served under seven US presidents. He has headed the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and a top White House medical adviser, announced on Monday that he is stepping down from two positions. In December, after more than 50 years of public service. Fauci, 81, has been the director of the NIAID since 1984 and, until 2020, became America’s most popular doctor leading the US government’s efforts to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, Fauci, America’s leading authority on epidemiologic issues, has participated in numerous interviews and press conferences to answer questions and combat misinformation about the pandemic. “Although I am leaving my current position, I am not retiring,” Fauci said Monday. “After more than 50 years of public service, I intend to pursue the next phase of my work with even more energy and enthusiasm.” Fauci served under seven US presidents, among them Ronald Reagan (1981–1989) and, with Republican Donald Trump (2017–2021), maintained bitter differences over strategy to combat the pandemic. Fauci has tackled a variety of infectious disease threats during his career, including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, bird flu, Zika and smallpox. Recently, he has been the target of regular attacks from the US far-right for his role in promoting vaccines and measures to contain Covid-19. Last month, the infectious disease expert told Reuters that he planned to retire before the end of Joe Biden’s first term, but that might be too soon. “I know the American people and the entire world will continue to benefit from Dr. Fauci’s expertise in whatever he does next,” Biden said in a statement. “America is stronger, tougher and healthier because of him.” Fauci will also step down as director of the NIAID Immunology Laboratory. Fauci received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian distinction, in 2008. jps (Reuters, OTS)

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