 |
| Wilson Committee Oversees National Pandemic Flu Plan |
November 08, 2005 |
| |
| Congresswoman Says Stockpiling & Response Plan Needs Work
Washington — Congresswoman Heather Wilson today heard details about the federal government’s plan to prepare for a bird flu pandemic, and is concerned that in a crisis there could be bottlenecks in getting the vaccine and treatment where it is needed most.
Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, today testified at the House Energy and Commerce Committee on which Wilson serves. Leavitt outlined the Administration’s National Pandemic Flu Preparedness Plan announced by President Bush on November 1, 2005.
“I am convinced by Secretary Leavitt’s testimony that federal officials are taking this seriously and working hard on flu pandemic response capabilities. But I am concerned the stockpiling and distribution system is not up to the task in the event of a crisis,” Wilson said. “In the event of an outbreak, regional stockpiles won’t be able to get medicine to the people who need it.”
The National Pandemic Flu Preparedness Plan calls for $7.1 billion in funding, including $2.8 billion for vaccine development, $2.5 billion for stockpiling vaccine and antivirals, and $800 million to research and develop new treatments for bird flu. Congress will soon consider legislation implementing the plan.
The H5N1 avian influenza virus is very contagious among birds, and has been transmitted from birds to humans in 122 cases since 2003, with 63 deaths occurring, all in Southeast Asia. The virus has never been transmitted from humans to other humans. Humans have no immunity against this virus.
Wilson urged Leavitt to communicate the plan to state and local public health departments to ensure they understand what is expected of them and can ask their state legislatures for help in the next legislative sessions in ways that align state and federal resources.
“I intend to work with state and federal public health officials to ensure that New Mexico is prepared if we face a flu epidemic,” said Wilson. “We need a coordinated effort between health care professionals at the federal, state and local levels.”
- END - |
|
|
|