HealthHIV and the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health warmly welcome Dr. Jeanne M. Marrazzo as the new director of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
Dr. Marrazzo, who is presently the Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is slated to assume her new role as NIAID Director in the fall—becoming the first cisgender gay woman in the job. Dr. Jeanne M. Marrazzo’s extensive experience leading international clinical trials, conducting translational research, and managing complex organizational budgets positions her uniquely for her role as the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Her specialized focus on infectious diseases—particularly in HIV prevention and the management of bacterial and sexually transmitted diseases—will undeniably contribute significantly to advancing our understanding of these complex health issues, bringing us that much closer to better access and engagement opportunities.
As NIAID director, Dr. Marrazzo will oversee a budget of $6.3 billion dedicated to the advancement of understanding, diagnosing, and treating infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. The Institute supports research at various universities and research organizations throughout the United States and across NIAID’s 21 laboratories.
Dr. Marrazzo’s research has primarily focused on the human microbiome, especially in relation to female reproductive tract infections and hormonal contraception, prevention of HIV infection using biomedical interventions such as PrEP and microbicides, and the pathogenesis and management of bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted diseases in HIV-infected persons, and the management of antibiotic resistance in gonorrhea.
We believe her significant contributions to the field of infectious diseases and her ability to inspire and mentor upcoming professionals will greatly benefit the NIAID and its mission. We look forward to working with Dr. Marrazzo in her new capacity to further our shared goals of advancing our understanding of infectious diseases, improving treatments, and fostering preventative measures.
