Anthony Fauci (pictured) the expert face of the COVID-19 pandemic response in the United States, has been awarded the US National Academy of Medicine’s first Presidential Citation for Exemplary Leadership.
Whether intended or not, the award is seen as a stunning rebuff to US President, Donald Trump who just the day before had slammed Dr Fauci’s handling of the pandemic as a “disaster”.
At its virtual annual meeting, the Academy cited Dr Fauci’s “unprecedented public service” for nearly 40 years at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), where he is the Director.
“He has been a trusted advisor to six US Presidents during public health crises including HIV/AIDS, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), anthrax, influenza, and Ebola; and firm and steady leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the citation accompanying the award stated.
Dr Fauci had provided “an unwavering, trusted voice to the nation and world on behalf of science-based policy and public health,” the Academy said.
Presidential citations are awarded to Public Service figures to recognise distinguished achievement.
In his latest call to his supporters, Mr Trump aimed criticism at Dr Fauci.
“People are tired of COVID. I have these huge rallies. Just leave us alone. They’re tired of it. People are tired of hearing Fauci and all these idiots,” Mr Trump said.
As of 19 October, more than 8,200,000 people in the US had been infected with COVID-19, 220,088 people had died and cases were rising in almost all States.
Dr Fauci, speaking on the state of the pandemic at the Academy meeting, said the world had been dealing with Coronaviruses for decades — the four common cold viruses, plus SARS, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and now COVID-19.
“This will happen again,” Dr Fauci said, calling for the development of a strong global health network and the rebuilding of the US public health system.
Washington, 22 October 2020
