Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 41
41
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 244
The reactive, short-term horizon of test and trace for much of the pandemic must be...
Recommendation
The reactive, short-term horizon of test and trace for much of the pandemic must be replaced by a capacity for anticipation and preparation—even during the course of an emergency.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government response reiterates the committee's recommendation verbatim, without providing any specific commitment, acceptance, or alternative action.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
244
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
The government partially accepts this recommendation, while recognising that responding to unexpected events will remain a critical part of the pandemic response. Subject to securing sufficient resources, UKHSA will utilise strong surveillance capabilities, rooted in the highest quality data systems, data architecture and analytics to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to health risks. UKHSA will exploit the potential of new techniques and technologies across a range of disciplines. UKHSA will work in professional surveillance networks with partners across government, such as the Food Standards Agency, Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, as well as in collaboration with international partners, to ensure that health threats, including those from zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), are detected earlier and responded to more effectively. As a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, UKHSA will work with DHSC to provide effective emergency preparedness, resilience, and response to all public health emergencies. This includes surveillance, analysis, risk assessment, management of and response to infectious disease incidents and outbreaks. UKHSA will build on the advice from its expert advisory committees where appropriate. UKHSA will also work alongside DHSC and other partners to lead a refreshed approach to pandemic preparedness (aligned to the One Health agenda), as well as contribute to a review of emergency and clinical countermeasures, and the re- procurement of the Pandemic Specific Vaccine Advance Purchase Agreement.
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