The deputy director general takes over the health agency on July 1st, replacing Caroline Semaille, amid tensions with the government.

Aude de Vivies appointed interim director of Public Health France
Aude de Vivies appointed interim director of Public Health France

Aude de Vivies has been appointed interim director general of Public Health France by order of the Minister of Health, Families, Autonomy and Persons with Disabilities dated June 15. She succeeds Caroline Semaille, effective July 1, 2026. Currently deputy director general of the health agency, she inherits an institution facing criticism for its delays in several prevention campaigns.

A climate of tension with the government

Caroline Semaille, a hospital physician specializing in public health and infectious diseases, was appointed head of Public Health France by presidential decree on February 23, 2023. Born in 1965, she previously served as deputy director general at the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) and deputy director general at ANSES. Her departure comes after three years at the helm of the national public health agency.

This handover of power is taking place in a tense atmosphere between the agency and the government. Several public health prevention initiatives have fallen behind schedule, fueling criticism of the agency's management. The new interim director will have to restore confidence and relaunch stalled campaigns while also easing relations with the supervisory authorities.

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