Remarks as Prepared for 2008 BARDA Stakeholders Workshop

Over the past few years it has become clear that threats and dangers we never even contemplated are very real and very possible.

We can’t see an outbreak of anthrax coming. We can’t predict the timing of a bioterrorist attack. They can strike at any time…but we can be ready if they do.

That’s why we are here today. Because in a potentially catastrophic attack or outbreak, time is short. Preparation and readiness will save thousands of lives.

And that preparation means having the right resources.

Through BARDA, we are making sure that these resources, such as medical treatments and vaccines, are available when we need them. When I say “we”, I don’t mean simply HHS or the federal government. This is a collaboration that relies on the expertise and innovation of the private sector and academia, and the resources of state and local governments as well.  

Yesterday my boss, Secretary Mike Leavitt, shared with you many of the successes of this collaboration, such as the creation of the first vaccine for humans against the H5N1 influenza virus and the development of cell-based influenza vaccines.

And the fact that states have bought 22 million courses of influenza antivirals and we’ve stockpiled enough pan-flu antivirals to treat 50 million people.

These accomplishments are remarkable.

This morning, I would like to tell you about the some of the partners in our collaboration who are making these things possible.

Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to see the process behind BARDA firsthand.

I’ve visited the Strategic National Stockpile of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control – a national supply of antibiotics, antidotes and other medicines, which can be provided to state and local agencies in the event of a health emergency. It’s kind of like a Costco --without the revenue.

I’ve traveled to Michigan and met with the faculty of Michigan State University and heard about their efforts to prepare rural East Lansing and MSU’s student population from bioterrorism. It was great to hear about MSU’s innovations, but it was also useful to be reminded that small rural areas, such as southern Michigan are as also susceptible to large scale health emergencies.

When I was in Michigan I also had the opportunity the visit Emergent Bio Solutions who are the only producers of the FDA approved Anthrax vaccine, BioThrax. It was a great, eye opening experience -- even though I had to wear three layers of clothing.

I’ve also spent time in Israel visiting the Shaare Zedek Medical Center. Located in Jerusalem, Shaare Zedek has treated as many or more mass casualties than any other hospital in the world. Their staff has firsthand expertise in caring for the victims of terrorist attacks. Because of this, they have a disaster management program that is second to none. I was able to bring the lessons they have learned back to the US.

Back at home, I can tell you that disaster preparedness has long been a priority of the Bush administration. And I’ve been in the situation room at the White House and I’ve worked with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (APER). ASPER, which advises Secretary Leavitt on issues related to bioterrorism and emergency response, has been instrumental in making sure that large events, such as the recent political conventions in Denver and St. Paul, were prepared in case of extreme emergencies.

In fact, ASPR’s work with state and local officials in Denver was so good that James Robinson, the Deputy Chief of the Denver Emergency Medical Services said “never in my dreams would I have imagined getting this kind of cooperation from the federal government.”

That is exactly what we want to hear when it comes to working together to prevent a potentially catastrophic health emergency.

By being prepared we can get the right vaccines and treatments to people in need and make sure our citizens are protected.

And in order for us to be prepared, we must work as an integrated network, combining the resources, manpower and ingenuity of the private and public sectors to make sure when disaster strikes, all the pieces are in place and we are ready to answer the call.

HHS can’t do this alone.

No agency or entity can.

We need your cooperation and collaboration.