A leading epidemiologist has been diagnosed with a brain tumour after suffering from severe headaches.
Professor Mary-Louise McLaws confirmed the devastating news on Saturday afternoon on Twitter, before announcing she will take a month of sick leave from her two roles with the World Health Organisation and University of New South Wales.
During the pandemic, Prof McLaws has been working with the WHO as an adviser for health emergencies, playing a key role in the prevention and control response to Covid-19.
Leading Sydney based epidemiologist Mary-Louise McLaws has been diagnosed with a brain tumour
Prof McLaws has also been a regular on TV screens since 2020 for her expert health advice and has often called out the government for what she perceives as ‘poor handling’ of the pandemic.
In recent weeks she said the refusal to widely distribute free rapid antigen tests across Australia was a clear example why the government’s ‘outbreak management has failed.’
A number of media identities, journalists and the general public were quick to pass on their well-wishes soon after Prof McLaws’ shock announcement.
The Project host Carrie Bickmore tweeted ‘ Oh Mary-Louise I am so sorry to hear that. Sending so much love’, while veteran Australian media commentator Mike Carlton labelled the development ‘terrible news.’
During the pandemic, Prof McLaws has been working with the WHO as an adviser for health emergencies, playing a key in the prevention and control response to Covid-19
Professor Mary-Louise McLaws confirmed her devastating diagnosis on Twitter
‘You have been such a rock of expertise and calm common sense in this pandemic, an asset to our society,’ he added.
‘I do hope all goes well for you.’
Lucy Turnbull, the one-time Lord Mayor of Sydney, said the professor has been a ‘consistently wise voice during this pandemic’.
The wife of former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull added McLaws was ‘way ahead of the curve’ when it came to discussions surrounding rapid antigen tests.
‘So sorry to hear this. You have supported so many during this difficult time. Please look after yourself first,’ read another Twitter response.
