The WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS)
mourns the passing of Dr Nancy Cox, whose leadership shaped global influenza surveillance and response
for nearly four decades. Dr Cox joined the United States Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1976 and later led the Influenza Branch and the
Influenza Division until her retirement in 2014. From 1992 to 2014, she served
as Director of the WHO
Collaborating Centre for Influenza at CDC, contributing to global advances
in influenza virology, epidemiology, vaccine strain selection, antiviral
resistance monitoring, and pandemic preparedness.
Dr Cox played a pivotal role in the global response to
major influenza emergencies, including the emergence of HPAI
A(H5N1) in Hong Kong in 1997 and the 2009
H1N1 pandemic. She was one of the principal architects of the GISAID Initiative,
establishing a platform that transformed the rapid and transparent sharing of
influenza genetic sequence data.
Dr Cox was also a mentor to many scientists and a strong
advocate for international collaboration. Her integrity, generosity, and
commitment to public health are reflected in the evolution of GISRS. Her legacy
will continue to guide and inspire the global influenza community.