The infectious disease expert and White House adviser plans to continue advancing public health and mentoring future leaders after stepping down in December.
Dr Anthony Fauci, a leading figure in infectious disease research and the chief medical adviser to the White House, has announced his departure from government service this December, concluding over 50 years of public health contributions.
The 81-year-old has served as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) since 1984. He first joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1968, rising to prominence for his leadership during major public health crises, including the AIDS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Joe Biden, in a statement on 22 August, commended Dr Fauci for saving countless lives through his work. “His expertise has touched the lives of all Americans and strengthened our nation’s resilience,” Biden said, adding, “I extend my deepest gratitude for his service. The world will continue to benefit from his insights.”
Dr Fauci’s decision to step down was anticipated, as he had previously indicated plans to leave before the end of President Biden’s first term. Over his career, he has advised seven U.S. presidents, shaping responses to global health challenges.
Taking the helm of NIAID during the 1980s, Dr Fauci helped transform the agency’s response to the AIDS crisis, a time when federal action was criticised as insufficient. More recently, he became a household name during the Trump administration, navigating misinformation, political attacks, and controversies surrounding COVID-19.
While Dr Fauci often clashed with the Trump administration over unproven treatments and mitigation strategies, he remained committed to science-based responses, emphasising the importance of vaccines and public health measures. He also highlighted systemic challenges, including fragmented healthcare infrastructure and politicised attitudes toward science.
In a statement, Dr Fauci clarified that his departure is not a retirement. He plans to continue contributing to science and public health, mentoring the next generation of researchers, and addressing future infectious disease threats.
“After more than 50 years of service, I am ready for the next phase of my career, driven by the same energy and passion I’ve always had,” Dr Fauci said. He expressed confidence in the leadership he leaves behind at NIAID and pride in global advancements in research and innovation.
As his tenure ends, Dr Fauci reaffirmed his dedication to science and public health. “Thanks to research investments, we’ve saved lives and tackled deadly diseases worldwide. I’m honoured to have played a role and look forward to continuing this work.”
