The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has 'persistent deficiencies' in its ability to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies and is at 'high risk' of mismanaging a future crisis, the U.S. congressional watchdog warned kanishka183
A worker from Chicago Family Health Center prepares a booster shot for the coronavirus disease at a McDonald's, as the Omicron coronavirus variant spreads through the country, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., December 21, 2021. REUTERS/Jim VondruskaJan 27 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has "persistent deficiencies" in its ability to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies, the U.S.
As one example of the lack of preparedness by HHS, the GAO said that it had warned about shortages of COVID-19 tests beginning in September 2020 and then recommended in January last year that HHS develop a comprehensive national testing strategy. "The department's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted longstanding 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 said.
The report cited continued problems in coordination among public health agencies and in collecting infectious-disease surveillance data.