2023 marked the 50th anniversary of the formation of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). The celebration included reflections on our collective achievements while also looking forward to building momentum for the future. To kick off the new year, members of the NFID Board of Directors shared what they hope to see NFID achieve in 2024 and beyond …
Kevin A. Ault, MD, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine (NFID Director): In 2023, there were 2 new approaches to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in newborns—a monoclonal antibody and a maternal vaccine. Both of these approaches show promise in preventing this common but potentially serious respiratory infection. NFID should take the lead in education and advocacy for these interventions for the remainder of the 2023-2024 RSV season and beyond.
Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, NFID Executive Director and CEO: As we venture into 2024 and beyond, my vision for NFID is to continue leading the charge against infectious diseases, fostering collaborations with key partners, improving health literacy, and leveraging innovation to reduce health disparities and make a lasting impact on public health.
Monica M. Farley, MD, Emory University School of Medicine (NFID Director):
- Stimulate vaccine confidence
- Educate healthcare professionals and the public on increasingly complex vaccine recommendations
- Reduce inequities in access to vaccines
Jeffery A. Goad, PharmD, MPH, Chapman University School of Pharmacy (NFID President-Elect): For 2024, I wish for NFID to become the most trusted partner for communicating with the public and healthcare professionals about the importance of preventing infectious diseases, especially vaccine-preventable ones. With the rise of anti-science movements, now more than ever, it’s important for the public to get clear and accurate information from trusted sources.
Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, NFID Medical Director: In 2024, I see NFID continuing a collaborative approach to improve the health of all. This will be achieved by public education to increase knowledge and understanding of the value, importance, and safety of preventive vaccines; provider support and education to facilitate effective communication and immunization of patients and families; and advocacy to facilitate vaccine confidence and overcome barriers to equal access to vaccines for all.
Orin S. Levine, PhD, Tin Horse LLC (NFID Director): I hope that in 2024, NFID brings innovation to immunization programs to help reduce vaccine inequalities and control infectious diseases.
Julie Morita, MD, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (NFID Director): I am hopeful that NFID efforts in 2024 will result in increased awareness of and trust in vaccines among vaccine-hesitant communities, especially those that have been historically marginalized, including communities of color, low income, and rural communities.
Patricia A. Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP, University of Minnesota School of Nursing (NFID President): My hope for 2024 is that NFID becomes as recognizable a name as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with the trust of the American Cancer Society and the expertise of the American Heart Association. In short, NFID should be the place the public goes to for information on infectious diseases treatment and prevention. Cheers!
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