Is the HHS Prepared for a Future Crisis?

According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is at high risk of mismanaging a future public health crisis after ignoring recommendations to improve its pandemic response. Among the unresolved weak points identified by the GAO were problems coordinating across public health agencies, securing appropriate testing and medical supplies, and collecting infectious disease surveillance data.

For example, in January 2021, the GAO recommended HHS develop a national testing strategy to prevent coronavirus test shortages. Although HHS officials promised to develop a plan that May, it never materialized.

“The department’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted long-standing concerns we have raised about its ability to execute its role leading federal public health and medical preparedness for, and response to, such public health emergencies,” the GAO report shared with 9 congressional committees read.

The report classified HHS as “high risk,” highlighting the need for improvements to prepare for future crises caused by pathogens, extreme weather, or an attack.

“We share GAO’s focus and urgency in battling this once-in-a-century pandemic and desire to ensure we never again face a pandemic of this magnitude,” said HHS spokesperson Sarah Lovenheim in a statement. While Ms. Lovenheim cited steps the Biden administration has taken to improve rates of vaccination, test access, and treatment options, the GAO’s concerns date back to 2007 and span responses to disasters from Ebola and Zika outbreaks to hurricanes.

Source: The Washington Post, Jan. 27, 2022.