HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released yesterday The National Health Security Strategy, which addresses the protection of public health services during a large-scale emergency. In the event of health threats or incidents with negative health consequences, such as Bioterrorism or natural disasters, the strategy will reinforce actions that strengthen and sustain health emergency systems.According to Business Wire, Secretary Sebelius said, “The National Health Security Strategy is a call to action for each of us so that every community becomes fully prepared and ready to recover quickly after an emergency.†She stresses the importance of proper preparation for such events.
Accompanying the strategy is an interim implementation guide outlining 10 objectives to achieve health security. The objectives stress awareness and knowledge of potential incidents, communication within communities, prevention of emerging threats to health safety, and interaction with global partners.
The National Health Security Strategy calls on the entire nation-including individuals, communities, non-government organizations, and government agencies to ensure proper prevention, response, and recovery from national health threats and incidents.