People in the global health news - October 2021

AAMC honors scientists for integrity during pandemic

Three NIH-affiliated scientists are being honored by the Association of American Medical Colleges for their leadership in biomedical research and contributions during the pandemic. NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins is cited for engaging the full capabilities of the NIH to combat coronavirus and for managing the international Human Genome project.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is being acknowledged for his commitment to scientific integrity and public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to his role as a respected government spokesperson, Fauci is also recognized for overseeing the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccines. He is also one of the principal architects of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Finally, the AAMC is presenting its 2021 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation David E. Rogers Award to NIH grantee and former Fogarty board member, Dr. Peter Hotez. Dean of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College, Hotez is honored for his work in countering anti-vaccine messaging during the pandemic and leading efforts to confront anti-COVID-19-vaccine aggression. 

NHGRI names Rotimi as scientific director

The NIH’s National Human Genome Research Institute has selected Dr. Charles Rotimi as its next scientific director and head of its intramural research program. Rotimi—the first African-born scientific director of an NIH Institute—was a key architect and major participant in the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Initiative. 

Global Health Council names new President and CEO

The Global Health Council recently announced the appointment of Elisha Dunn-Georgiou as its new president and CEO. Previously, she was vice president for policy and advocacy at PAI. She holds a master’s degree in epidemiology and a law degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Bhutta receives 2021 Roux Prize

Agha Khan University Professor Zulfiqar Bhutta has been awarded the 2021 Roux Prize for turning evidence into health impact. Bhutta’s work has focused on newborn and child survival and undernutrition, with an emphasis on reducing health disparities. The award is administered by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.

Jirair Ratevosian tapped as senior PEPFAR advisor

Jirair Ratevosian, MPH, has been named by the White House to serve as a senior advisor in the State Department’s Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy. Ratevosian, a Boston University graduate, will help oversee the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).