USA (Washington Insider Magazine)— The U.S. unveiled an updated global health security policy in Washington, D.C., that reflects new advances in pandemic preparedness. Stephanie Psaki, the first U.S. Coordinator for Global Health Security and Deputy Senior Director for Global Health Security and Biodefense at the U.S. National Security Council underlined the aim of this policy and the value of international cooperation.
A Forward-Looking Approach
According to HealthPolicy, the strategy aims to leverage lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Psaki stressed the need for a system capable of quickly adapting to different categories of biological threats, not just future pandemics mirroring COVID-19. This initiative stems from a national security memorandum and the Global Health Security Act passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
Expanding Global Partnerships
The US has expanded its health security partnerships from 50 to over 100 countries, including new collaborations with nations like Peru, Moldova, and Vietnam. Selection criteria for these partnerships include the need to fill gaps in global health security, political commitment from partner countries, and the risk of outbreaks to the US and the world.
Building on Past Successes
Past experiences have underscored the importance of localization, or working in true partnership with other countries. Effective partnerships require political commitment at all levels and alignment with the priorities of the countries involved.
Integrating One Health
One Health, which addresses health risks at the human-animal-environment interface, is a critical component of the new strategy. This approach involves agencies like the USDA and FDA to ensure comprehensive responses to zoonotic diseases, reflecting a collaborative effort across various US departments.
Coordinated Inter-Agency Efforts
The strategy stresses inter-agency cooperation for both policy development and threat response. Psaki highlighted the structured decision-making process and real-time response mechanisms involving agencies such as the CDC, USAID, and the State Department, exemplified by the response to the Marburg outbreak in Equatorial Guinea.
Aligning with International Negotiations
The strategy aligns with ongoing Pandemic Agreement negotiations, focusing on enhancing global capacities to prevent and respond to pandemics, ensuring transparent data sharing, and promoting equitable access to vaccines and treatments. The US aims to secure these priorities in the final agreements of the pandemic accord and International Health Regulations.
Addressing Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing
Pathogen access and benefit sharing remain contentious in international negotiations. The US strategy advocates for early access to pathogen data and samples to expedite the development of countermeasures, ensuring rapid responses to outbreaks worldwide. This approach aims to prevent the larger spread of pathogens and delays in access to essential medical solutions.
The US continues to lead in responding to global outbreaks, stressing the need for international cooperation and data sharing to enhance global health security.
