Released: April 3, 2014

Statement from the IDSA Center for Global Health Policy and the HIV Medicine Association Confirmation of Deborah L. Birx, MD as Ambassador-at-large and U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator

The confirmation of Dr. Deborah Birx as Ambassador at Large and Global AIDS Coordinator takes the next phase of the fight against the HIV pandemic forward with strength, purpose and great promise. The board and members of HIVMA and the Center for Global Health Policy congratulate Dr. Birx, and affirm our confidence in her passion, knowledge, and demonstrated commitment to confronting, preventing and treating HIV worldwide.

Dr. Birx has worked with governments of countries with the largest HIV and TB burdens, to test and treat men and women for both diseases, to improve health outcomes, decrease transmission, and address underlying issues of infectious disease threats that include poverty, gender inequality, and discriminatory neglect.

“Her focus, determination and dedication to research and to bringing evidence-based answers to the people who need them most will be valuable assets during this challenging time,” said Dr. Ken Mayer, co-chair of the Center for Global Health Policy’s Scientific Advisory Committee.  “Her advocacy for adequate and appropriate resources will be vital to the continued success of United States efforts to combat AIDS worldwide.”

“Dr. Birx is a leader committed to meeting the needs of the most marginalized populations.  Her confirmation sends a strong signal that the work set in place by Ambassador Eric Goosby to reach men who have sex with men, sex workers, and people who inject drugs will forge ahead,” said Dr. Joel Gallant, Chair of HIVMA. “We are counting on her leadership to ensure that the global fight against HIV continues to address the impact of bias and discrimination on HIV prevention, care, and treatment.”

HIVMA and the Center for Global Health Policy look forward to the day she takes office and to lending her our support.