The announcement is one of the first out of the Biden-Harris Transition.
The 13-strong board brings together public health experts – who have already served in previous administrations - and will be led by co-chairs Dr. David Kessler, Dr. Vivek Murthy, and Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith.
“Dealing with the coronavirus pandemic is one of the most important battles our administration will face, and I will be informed by science and by experts,” said President-elect Biden.
“The advisory board will help shape my approach to managing the surge in reported infections; ensuring vaccines are safe, effective, and distributed efficiently, equitably, and free; and protecting at-risk populations.”
The announcement comes as the US reports more than 9.3 million total infections and more than 236,000 deaths.
The COVID-19 Advisory Board will help guide the Biden-Harris Transition in planning for the President-elect’s robust federal response: setting out priorities as curbing the spread; providing free treatment to those in need; and elevating the voices of scientists and public health experts.
Pledging a 'swift and aggresive' approach, the Biden-Harris administration has also set out plans to scale up testing; invest $25bn in a vaccine manufacturing and distribution plan; and rebuild and expand defenses for pandemic threats.
Biden's Transition COVID-19 Advisory Board
Co-Chairs:
Dr. David Kessler
David A. Kessler, MD, is Professor of Pediatrics and Epidemiology and Biostatistics at UCSF. Dr. Kessler served as FDA Commissioner from 1990 to 1997, appointed by President George H.W. Bush and reappointed by President Bill Clinton.
Dr. Vivek Murthy
Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, served as the 19th Surgeon General of the United States from 2014-2017. As the Vice Admiral of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, he commanded a uniformed service of 6,600 public health officers globally. The officers focused on helping underserved populations, protecting the nation from Ebola and Zika, responding to the Flint water crisis, and natural disasters such as hurricanes.
Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith
Marcella Nunez-Smith, MD, MHS, is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Public Health, and Management at Yale University and the Associate Dean for Health Equity Research at the Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Nunez-Smith’s research focuses on promoting health and healthcare equity for structurally marginalized populations.
Members:
- Dr. Luciana Borio
- Dr. Rick Bright
- Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel
- Dr. Atul Gawande
- Dr. Celine Gounder
- Dr. Julie Morita
- Dr. Michael Osterholm
- Ms. Loyce Pace
- Dr. Robert Rodriguez
- Dr. Eric Goosby
