Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said he will name Robert R. Redfield, a noted HIV/AIDS researcher, as director of the nation’s premier disease-fighting agency.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been operating under an acting director since Brenda Fitzgerald — the first permanent director under President Trump — resigned Jan. 31, after reports she traded in tobacco stocks despite the agency’s anti-smoking message.
Mr. Azar said Dr. Redfield contributed to the public’s early understanding of HIV/AIDS, including the importance of heterosexual transmission, and served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps for two decades.
“Dr. Redfield has dedicated his entire life to promoting public health and providing compassionate care to his patients, and we are proud to welcome him as director of the world’s premier epidemiological agency,” Mr. Azar said.
Mr. Azar also thanked Dr. Anne Schuchat for her service as acting director, particularly during a severe flu season.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.