In a move that has sent ripples through the US public health community, Dr Demetre Daskalakis, a leading architect of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) monkeypox response, has resigned from the agency.
His departure is being viewed by many as a final act of defiance, coming just weeks after he defiantly presented at a fetish festival in Chicago, an act that flouted CDC guidelines and sparked internal controversy.
A Controversial Final Appearance
Dr Daskalakis, who served as the director of the CDC's Division of HIV Prevention, was a prominent and often unconventional face during the 2022 monkeypox outbreak. His exit follows his participation in the 'International Mr. Leather' conference in late May, where he delivered a speech on the main stage.
The presentation, which discussed topics like 'kink' and sexual health, was seen as a direct violation of agency protocols that require pre-approval for external engagements. This incident is understood to have been the catalyst for his decision to leave.
Architect of a Successful Strategy
Despite the controversial end to his tenure, Dr Daskalakis is widely credited with helping to successfully contain the monkeypox virus. He was instrumental in crafting a targeted vaccination strategy that focused on the most at-risk communities, particularly men who have sex with men.
His approach, which involved engaging directly with LGBTQ+ communities at events like Pride parades and nightclubs, was hailed as a pragmatic and effective public health intervention that helped curb a potential crisis.
Leadership Shakeup at the CDC
Dr Daskalakis's resignation is the latest in a series of high-profile departures from the CDC following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. His boss, Dr Rochelle Walensky, stepped down as director in June, and her replacement, Dr Mandy Cohen, has been overseeing a broader restructuring of the agency.
It is reported that Dr Daskalakis was offered a new, more limited role within the restructured organisation, a proposition he ultimately rejected, choosing to leave the agency altogether.
The departure of such a key figure marks a significant moment for the CDC as it continues to adapt its strategy and leadership in a post-pandemic world.
