Pandemic proposal: the government says the private sector should play a part in a flu strategy

Chief Executive, The, July-August, 2008 by George Abercrombie

In its National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza, issued November 2005, the federal government cited the important role of the business community, noting that the private sector "should play an integral role in preparedness before a pandemic begins, and should be part of the national response." The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently clarified that sentiment by issuing proposed guidance for businesses covering such topics as public/private sector roles, legal issues, ethical concerns and logistics. It has been posted for public comment at www.pandemicflu.gov.

The guidance encourages employers to consider stockpiling antivirals, but doesn't create a mandate or expectation that all businesses will do so. The purpose is to "provide information to employers (both public and private sector) so that informed planning and implementation decisions on antiviral stockpiling can be made and to assure that stockpiled drugs are maintained and used optimally."

Health experts say that when a pandemic strikes, antivirals will be a critical line of defense until an effective vaccine can be developed and distributed, which is estimated to take at least five months. Because antivirals must be taken within 12 to 48 hours of illness onset, stockpiling is necessary for advance positioning, according to the World Health Organization. Even though federal and state governments have built stockpiles, they will cover only 25 percent of the population, with much of that going to a pre-established priority distribution list. Moreover, if the drug is used preventively--which is recommended by public health experts, including the WHO--many more courses will be required.

New government guidance recommends expanded antiviral use in a pandemic, including preventive use. However, it also states: "Despite expanding recommendations ... there are no plans for commensurate expansion of public stockpiles, and employers will have to take the lead role for protection of their workforce."

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Businesses are in a position to help make antiviral medication more accessible in a pandemic flu situation. The guidance states, "private stockpiles, in coordination with public health stock-piles, would extend protection more broadly than could be achieved through the public sector alone and would improve the ability to achieve national goals of mitigating disease, suffering and death and minimizing impacts on the economy and society."

Executives can also view antiviral stockpiling as sound business. The government estimates that absenteeism could reach 40 percent during a pandemic and could be sustained for weeks or even months. Providing antiviral medications will protect employees and also help maintain operations during the crisis.

Roche has a comprehensive pandemic plan in place to protect employees and maintain production of Tamiflu and other life-saving medications.

Is the pandemic flu still a threat? At a meeting hosted by the WHO on May 6, health officials warned that the risk of a pandemic is probably growing as the H5N1 avian flu virus continues to spread.

The U.S. government guidance should help facilitate contributions from all sectors of society. As HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt put it, "The Federal government cannot mount an effective response to the threats that we face as a nation without partners at every level of government and throughout society. It is every American's continued commitment that will make our country a safer, healthier place."

George Abercrombie is president and CEO of Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. A comprehensive guide to corporate pandemic planning is accessible at www.PandemicToolkit.com.