HHS awards $306 million in Avian Flu monitoring and preparedness funding

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it would award $306 million dollars to continue its H5N1 Avian Flu response. While CDC’s assessment of the risk of avian influenza to the general public remains low, USDA and HHS continue to closely collaborate with Federal, State, local, industry and other stakeholders to protect human health, animal health, and food safety.

“While the risk to humans remains low, we are always preparing for any possible scenario that could arise. These investments are critical to continuing our disease surveillance, laboratory testing, and monitoring efforts alongside our partners at USDA,” said Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Preparedness is the key to keeping Americans healthy and our country safe. We will continue to ensure our response is strong, well equipped, and ready for whatever is needed.”

ASPR will award approximately $183 million in additional funding for regional, state and local preparedness programs:

• $90 million to the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP)
• $10 million to the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC)
• $26 million to the Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs)
• $43 million to the Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (SPTCs) Avian Influenza Preparedness and Response Activities
• $14 million to replenish equipment and supply caches for the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS)

CDC will award approximately $111 million in funding for additional enhancements to our ability to monitor H5N1 at the local, state and national levels:

• $103 million to jurisdictions for increased monitoring of individuals exposed to infected animals, testing, and outreach to high-risk populations (such as livestock workers)
• $8 million to manufacture, store, and distribute additional influenza diagnostic test kits for virologic surveillance

NIH will award approximately $11 million in funding for additional research into potential medical countermeasures for H5N1:

• $11 million to the Centers for Excellence for Influenza Research and Response contracts

Since the first case of H5N1 was confirmed in cattle, USDA and HHS have worked with stakeholders across the nation to support state and local responses to the outbreak. Learn more about USDA and HHS work to protect human health, animal health, and food safety here.