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Pandemic Preparedness: A Special Report From Homeland Defense Journal

NCJ Number
214875
Journal
Homeland Defense Journal Volume: 4 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2006 Pages: 16-19,24
Author(s)
Don Philpott
Date Published
May 2006
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses why planning is critical in preparing for a pandemic of avian flu and reviews what is being done to prepare in the United States and what still needs to be done.
Abstract
Health officials worldwide warn that it is not a question of whether there will be a killer pandemic of avian flu but when it is going to hit. The disease is already being transmitted among bird species. If the disease mutates into a virulent human flu strain, it will spread quickly through the population. A State-by-State survey conducted by the Homeland Defense Journal has found that almost three-fourths of the States have pandemic preparedness plans that are either complete or nearing completion. On November 2, 2005, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its Pandemic Influenza Plan, whose goal is to create a seamless network of Federal, State, and local preparedness. Most States are looking to the Federal Government to provide vaccines, although there is agreement there will not be enough for every individual. States are also hoping that the Federal Government will provide antiviral drugs and release medical supplies and equipment from the Strategic National Stockpile. Many health authorities report that although they have a plan in place, it could be many months before they are ready to cope with a pandemic. Lack of funding and personnel are cited as main reasons for the delay. On December 19, 2005, the U.S. House of Representatives approved $3.8 billion in funds for pandemic influenza preparedness, just under half of what President Bush requested. Of this amount, only $350 million was allocated to the 5,000 health departments nationwide. This funding will not even cover the cost of producing a plan, and it will not help States develop essential stockpiles of expensive equipment.