Monday, May 6, 2013

H7N9 still smoldering, but with the closing of some of the open bird markets in China, the pace of new cases has slowed. 130 cases and 31 deaths total. HHS is now allowing me to do press on this without hassle. Francis Collins meeting with Bill Corr has apparently worked (see above). Went to cocktail reception/book signing for Paul Farmer’s new book – “To Repair the World” at home of Greg and Derry Craig on 3155 Highland Place, N.W.; also cosponsored by Tim Broas. Paul, as usual, was very generous in his remarks about my accomplishments in being the architect of PEPFAR and the influence that I had on his career. Several notables there including Kathleen Matthews and Paul Wolfowitz. Had good conversation with Paul about how we worked together when he was Deputy Secretary of Defense. Paul gave 2 signed books to me – one for Chris and me and one for Jenny. Also, I spoke with Paul about getting one of his acolytes to come work for me as my assistant at NIAID. (Turns out I contacted one Hillary Marston who will be joining me in August – see below))