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.
