Rochelle Walensky steps down as director of the CDC

Her departure comes on the same day the WHO declared that Covid-19 is no longer an international health emergency.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky is stepping down from her position. Her departure comes on the same day that the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Ghebreyesus, announced that Covid-19 is no longer an international health emergency.

In a statement, the White House confirmed Walensky's departure:

Dr. Walensky has saved lives with her steadfast and unwavering focus on the health of every American. As Director of the CDC, she led a complex organization on the frontlines of a once-in-a-generation pandemic with honesty and integrity. She marshaled our finest scientists and public health experts to turn the tide on the urgent crises we’ve faced. Dr. Walensky leaves CDC a stronger institution, better positioned to confront health threats and protect Americans.  We have all benefited from her service and dedication to public health, and I wish her the best in her next chapter.

Walensky took over the position in January 2021, when Joe Biden took office as president.