The US government has established a new agency called the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy (OPPR) to address potential “biological threats” and pandemics. President Joe Biden has appointed retired Air Force General Paul Friedrichs to lead this project. The White House, in a press release, stated that the OPPR will be a permanent office within the Executive Office of the President responsible for coordinating and implementing actions related to preparedness for known and unknown biological threats or pathogens. The agency will also be responsible for coordinating scientific research, medical efforts, and providing regular reports to Congress.
Retired Air Force Major General Paul Friedrichs, who currently serves as a special assistant to President Biden and the Senior Director for Global Health Security and Biodefense at the White House National Security Council, will head the OPPR. Friedrichs has previous experience as a joint staff surgeon at the Pentagon and also advised the military’s Covid-19 task force. The OPPR will formally commence operations on August 7, and Friedrichs will assemble a team to carry out various responsibilities.
One of Friedrichs’ key responsibilities will be to ensure that the Strategic National Stockpile is adequately equipped with medical supplies. He will also collaborate with Congress to secure funding for preparedness efforts in the United States. The New York Times reported that Friedrichs will focus on procuring resources and developing strategies for future health crises.
The OPPR will work closely with industry, the scientific community, and the Department of Health and Human Services to develop the “next generation of medical countermeasures,” including vaccines. Key pathogens of focus for the OPPR include Covid-19, monkeypox, polio, avian and human influenza, and RSV. The agency aims to facilitate the creation of robust defense mechanisms against these diseases.
In May, the White House’s Covid-19 Response Team was disbanded. In its place, the OPPR was established under a comprehensive government spending package enacted in late 2022. The agency will be required to submit a “preparedness review” to lawmakers every two years, providing updates on its initiatives. Additionally, it will submit an “outlook report” every five years, outlining future plans and strategies.
The creation of the OPPR reflects the US government’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by pandemics and biological threats. By centralizing efforts and coordinating with various stakeholders, the agency aims to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery strategies. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a dedicated office to address such health crises promptly and effectively. The OPPR signals a proactive approach by the US government in safeguarding public health and promoting national security.
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