10/26/2005
HARKIN CALLS FOR UNPRECENTED FEDERAL INVESTMENT TO FIGHT AVIAN FLU

“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