Investments In Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Pay Off, But Are Threatened By Cuts In Federal Funding

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Article Date: 16 Jan 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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"States have made important progress toward preparing for their unique roles in combating an influenza pandemic but have much more to do," according to a report submitted today to the Homeland Security Council.

"The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) supports that finding," said Executive Director Paul E. Jarris, MD, MBA. "States have made tremendous progress toward combating pandemic influenza since the threat was first identified and funding was made available in 2005. Continued progress is being jeopardized, however, by reductions in federal funding."

Federal funding for state and territorial pandemic preparedness ended in August 2008 and is not included in the FY09 budget. In addition, overall federal funding for preparedness activities has been cut by 25 percent since 2005.

"States are not in a position to replace the federal funding," said Dr. Judy Monroe, ASTHO President and Indiana State Health Commissioner. "Across the board, states and their health departments are experiencing devastating budget cuts. Reductions in federal preparedness funding for pandemics or other hazards will not only prevent additional advances, but will erode the ability of current programs to protect our citizens."

For example, important strides in preparing to care for vulnerable populations during a pandemic have been made. The significant time and money invested in those preparations will be lost and the people they protect will be put at further risk if funds to implement the plans are cut.

"Public health agencies thoroughly understand the complex and devastating effects of pandemics," said Jarris. "We're closely watching Egypt and China, where the latest avian flu outbreaks are occurring. The number of cases ending in death is alarming; in some areas reaching over 65%. We can't let that happen in the United States."

Protecting America's health and effectively responding to emergencies, whether pandemics or terrorist attacks, requires sustained commitment and financial support. As today's report notes, "Preparedness is dynamic rather than static." Whether it improves or deteriorates over time depends on investment and commitment.

States were able to quickly respond this year to public health threats arising from flooding and hurricanes such as Ike, the third most destructive hurricane to ever make landfall in the United States, and Gustav, which triggered the largest evacuation in United States history, because of the advances made in public health capability.

"ASTHO looks forward to working with Congress and the new Administration to ensure that the great strides made in public health preparedness do not fall victim to the nation's economic troubles. We must continue to improve and protect the health of all Americans," said Jarris.

The report, Assessment of States' Operating Plans to Combat Pandemic Influenza, was produced as a collaborative effort by 12 cabinet departments and two components of the Executive Office of the President, with the cooperation of state and territorial health departments.

About ASTHO

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials is the national nonprofit organization representing the state and territorial public health agencies of the United States, the U.S. Territories, and the District of Columbia. ASTHO members, the chief health officials of these jurisdictions, are dedicated to formulating and influencing sound public health policy and to assuring excellence in state-based public health practice.

Source
Paula A. Steib, Senior Director Communications
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
2231 Crystal Drive, Suite 450
Arlington, VA 22202
http://www.astho.org/