People in the global health news - April 2021

Becerra confirmed as HHS Secretary

Xavier Becerra, the former Attorney General of California and long-time champion of expanding access to health care, has been confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services. A lawyer and former member of Congress, Becerra helped drive passage of the Affordable Care Act. He is the first Latino to lead HHS.

Pace to lead HHS Office of Global Affairs

Loyce Pace, a former member of President-elect Joe Biden’s COVID-19 advisory board, has been tapped to head the HHS Office of Global Affairs. Until recently, Pace led the Global Health Council, where she advocated strongly for increased investments in global health. Previously, she directed regional programs for the American Cancer Society.

US global malaria coordinator selected

Dr. Raj Panjabi has been appointed to lead the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative. Born in Liberia, Panjabi settled in the U.S. after fleeing civil war at age nine. Before joining PMI, Panjabi served as CEO of Last Mile Health, a nonprofit he founded to deliver care to remote places.

Elvander to represent US in Beijing

Erika Elvander has been selected to serve as the U.S. health attaché to China. Until recently, she was director of the Asia and Pacific portfolio in the HHS Office of Global Affairs. In that role, she worked to foster global relationships and coordinate international engagement across HHS and the U.S. government.

Fogarty McAndrew honored for advocacy efforts

Mary Fogarty McAndrew, daughter of Fogarty’s namesake, the late Congressman John E. Fogarty, is being honored by Research!America with the 2020 Gordon and Llura Gund Leadership Award, in recognition of her advocacy for health research. Fogarty McAndrew is chair of the Fogarty Foundation for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Providence, R.I.

Research!America recognizes scientists with Clear Voice Awards

The advocacy group Research!America is honoring two scientists with its Clear Voice Award, in recognition of their effective public communication regarding COVID-19. Awardee Dr. Anne Schuchat has served as the CDC’s Principal Deputy Director since 2015. In that role, she has provided leadership in several emergency responses including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Honoree Dr. Michelle Williams is dean of Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health and holds a joint faculty appointment at Harvard’s Chan and Kennedy schools. She is an internationally renowned epidemiologist and public health scientist, an award-winning educator and a widely recognized academic leader. Williams currently serves on Fogarty’s advisory board.