AIDS Action Applauds Selection of Dr. Eric Goosby as Global AIDS Coordinator

WASHINGTON, April 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — AIDS Action Council commends President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton on today’s nomination of Dr. Eric Goosby as Director of the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC). AIDS Action is pleased that the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator will be led by such an accomplished HIV medical expert with extensive knowledge of and experience in the breadth of global AIDS, including the epidemic here in the United States. We encourage the Senate to move swiftly to confirm him to this important post within the State Department.

Dr. Goosby brings over 25 years of HIV/AIDS experience with him to this position. This superb appointment promises the proper implementation of the newly reauthorized President’s Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) that has helped thousands of HIV-positive people worldwide receive HIV care, treatment, and prevention services. Dr. Goosby comes to this position after eight years of work as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation in San Francisco where he was also a Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California.

Through his current position, Dr. Goosby has been on the ground and seen first hand the impact of PEPFAR in the focus countries. He is aware of the tremendous complexities involved in addressing the HIV pandemic. He understands the reauthorization of PEPFAR and will be able to implement the initiative in the way that Congress intended, guided by the vision and leadership of President Obama and Secretary Clinton.

This position marks a return to federal government service for Dr. Goosby. From 1991 to 2000 Dr. Goosby held a number of HIV/AIDS leadership positions at the Department of Health and Human Services, including the Director of the Office of HIV/AIDS Policy. AIDS Action looks forward to working with Dr. Goosby in his new capacity as the Global AIDS Coordinator, especially in the implementation of programs that target men who have sex with men.

AIDS Action strives to end the HIV epidemic by advancing public policies that prevent new infections, provide care for people living with HIV, and support the search for a cure. AIDS Action serves as the national voice for AIDS service organizations, health departments, and a diverse network of community-based organizations across the country that provide services for people living with or affected by HIV infection.

SOURCE AIDS Action Council