10/26/2005
HARKIN CALLS FOR UNPRECENTED FEDERAL INVESTMENT TO FIGHT AVIAN FLU
WASHINGTON, D.C. –
In
his continuing effort to prepare the United States for a potential
outbreak of the avian flu, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today offered an
amendment to the Labor HHS Appropriations bill to provide an
unprecedented federal investment to prepare for a potential outbreak of
the avian flu. Harkin’s amendment would provide federal resources to
stockpile vaccines and antiviral drugs, invest in our vaccine
infrastructure, improve our global surveillance, and strengthen state
and local public health departments – our first line of defense against
an outbreak of avian flu. Harkin is the top Democrat on the
subcommittee that funds health care initiatives.
“The possibility
of a
deadly outbreak of avian flu is real, and time is of the essence,”
Harkin said. “The threat of pandemic flu has shed light on the lack of
US capacity to produce effective vaccines, antiviral and provide needed
investments in our public health infrastructure. We must heed these
warning signs, and take the time to invest so that we are prepared
throughout the nation and the world.”
Avian flu, also
known as
the bird flu, is a virus that to date has primarily been passed from
birds to humans. However, experts predict that it is only a matter of
time before the virus mutates and will be able to easily spread between
humans creating a widespread public health crisis. In a matter of
weeks, an outbreak in China, Vietnam or Cambodia could trigger a
world-wide outbreak facilitated by international travel and
globalization. Experts estimate that 90,000 to 300,000 Americans and up
to 50 million people worldwide could die if left unprotected during an
influenza pandemic.
“This is one of
the
biggest threats we face today,” said Harkin. “A flu pandemic is not a
matter of if – but when. We must heed these warning signs, and take the
time to invest in our public infrastructure. Instead of always looking
into the rear-view mirror, we must do all we can to prevent a disaster,
like avian flu, before it happens.”
Harkin has led the
fight
in Congress to prepare for a possible outbreak of pandemic influenza.
In May, Harkin secured funding in the Supplemental Appropriations
measure to stockpile antiviral drugs effective against the avian flu.
Influenza viruses
cause
20,000 to 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Many of these could be
prevented with increased use of the influenza vaccine.
Harkin Avian Flu
Preparedness Amendment
Senator Tom Harkin
(D-IA) will offer a comprehensive proposal to the Labor HHS
Appropriations bill to make an unprecedented federal investment to
prepare for a potential outbreak of the avian flu. The amendment will
provide federal resources where they are most needed: to stockpile
vaccines and antiviral drugs, to improve our global surveillance, and
to strengthen state and local public health—our first line of defense
against an outbreak of avian flu.
— Increase
stockpiles of
antiviral drugs thought to be effective against the current strains of
the avian flu. The World Health Organization has recommended that each
country stockpile enough antivirals for 40 percent of their population.
Though other countries have heeded this warning, the United States
currently has only two million doses on hand – enough for one percent
of the population. The additional resources would steadily add to the
national stockpile, with a goal of accumulating enough antivirals to
serve 50 percent of the population. ($3.1 billion)
— Increase our
vaccine
stockpile and strengthen America’s vaccine infrastructure. These new
resources would allow the US to stockpile 120 million doses of an avian
flu vaccine over the next two years. In addition, the amendment
provides resources to expand research on the effectiveness of existing
vaccines, and incentives to expand US vaccine manufacturing capacity.
The United States currently does not have the capacity to create enough
vaccines here at home. In the event of a pandemic, the US would have to
rely on imported vaccines which countries may be unwilling to export.
($3.3 billion)
— Quadruple global
surveillance of the avian flu through the Centers for Disease Control
to identify and contain the avian flu virus around the world as soon as
possible. ($60 million)
— Strengthen
local and
state public health departments and expand emergency preparedness
activities to help communities recognize, treat, and quarantine the
avian flu virus if it reaches our shores. ($600 million)
— Improve hospital
preparedness and surge capacity in anticipation of higher patient
levels in case of a pandemic. ($750 million)
— New resources
for outreach and education efforts to both health care providers and
the public. ($75 million)
— Increase
surveillance of migratory birds through the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention ($110 million)
TOTAL INVESTMENT:
$7.975 billion
|