Biden administration prepares for ‘reasonable likelihood’ of another serious pandemic
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While continuing to fight the coronavirus pandemic, officials said the nation needs to be better prepared for biological threats, whether they’re naturally occurring diseases, laboratory accidents or deliberate acts of bio-warfare.
“We thought it was urgent to get started on this immediately,” said Beth Cameron, the National Security Council senior director for global health and biodefense.
The plan includes:
- Dramatically expanding the arsenal of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
- Strengthening public health systems both in the U.S. and internationally.
- Improving the ability of the U.S. to produce personal protective equipment and other vital supplies.
- Improving early detection of pandemic threats.
- Creating a centralized “mission control” to be in charge of an effort that will draw on multiple federal agencies.
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The administration says biological threats are increasing for several reasons.
Infectious diseases are jumping more often from animals to human because of population growth, climate change, habitat loss and human behavior. Once transmitted, diseases spread faster with increased global travel.
Partly as a response to increased pandemic risk, there are more laboratories around the world handling dangerous pathogens. That raises the chance of an accidental escape.
The improved technology that makes biological weapons more powerful, affordable and accessible also creates opportunities for bad actors to deploy them.