The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) released a new paper today urging lawmakers to invest in better pandemic preparedness infrastructure ahead of the next global pandemic. While legislation has been introduced in Congress, it has not yet been approved. Legislation should address the needed domestic manufacturing, data collection, and whole-of-government response another pandemic would require. The report is titled, “COVID-19 retrospective: What have we learned and how can we better prepare for future pandemics?” and is authored by Arielle Kane, Director of Health Care for the Progressive Policy Institute.
The legislation lawmakers have introduced to address the weaknesses in the United States’ pandemic preparedness is a good first step. The U.S. needs more resilient infrastructure, nimble manufacturing, and much faster responding government. The government needs to plan strategically to prepare for the next pandemic rather than just reacting to COVID-19. With so much uncertainty surrounding pandemics, it will be paramount that the government works to partner with industry to be more agile in evolving situations,” writes report author Arielle Kane. “The next pandemic is unlikely to look like COVID-19. This is why it is important that the government invest in strategies and infrastructure that will allow for a more nimble response.
The Progressive Policy Institute’s report looks back at the U.S. response to COVID-19, examining the shortcomings and successes of the national response. It also provides a series of six recommendations policymakers can take now to help the U.S. be better prepared and more resilient to pandemic, health, or biological threats in the future. These recommendations include: Better communication and coordination across government; bolstering U.S. supply chain manufacturing; improving data infrastructure; investing in R&D and pandemic preparedness; supporting broader population health; and developing infrastructure that includes genomic surveillance, like wastewater and air quality testing.
Read the full report here:
The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) is a catalyst for policy innovation and political reform based in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to create radically pragmatic ideas for moving America beyond ideological and partisan deadlock. Learn more about PPI by visiting progressivepolicy.org.
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