Latin America, Caribbean urged to plan for bioterrorism

Washington, October 26, 2001 (PAHO) - A group of disaster experts today reviewed recommendations that all countries in Latin America and the Caribbean should make plans to deal with the threat of bioterrorism, with plans that include detection, diagnosis and response.

Experts on bioterrorism and emergency response who met at the Pan American Health Organization from more than six countries concluded that countries should expand existing disaster preparedness capabilities to cover possible biological warfare attacks with anthrax, smallpox or other agents, as well as chemical or radiological attacks.

They also asked PAHO and the countries to "explore the potential for production of smallpox vaccine, including updates of good manufacturing practices for production," in several countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico, which have manufacturing capability.

The experts noted that the terrorist attacks on the United States "have generated numerous inquiries from the Organization's Member States about the consequences and response that countries should prepare for" in case of other attacks, noting that "Given the global economy, an outbreak anyqhere in the world may be considered a threat to virtually all nations." The most serious threats requiring preparation by health systems, the experts said, are anthrax, smallpox, plague, botulism, tularemia, and hemorrhagic fever viruses.

PAHO Director Dr. George Alleyne said PAHO already has considerable capacity to detect and contain the spread of disease and to deal with disasters, but "Countries of the region must now prepare to respond to the challenge posed by bioterrorism."

PAHO has already convened an emergency task force to discuss the topic and is adding topics on biological, chemical, and radiological terrorism to all its training activities, starting with courses on chemical warfare, radiological emergencies, and bioterrorism next month. It is also working with the countries to upgrade health sector capabilities to deal with potential emergencies resulting from terrorism, including disease surveillance, laboratory improvements, crisis management, information dissemination, and response capacity upgrades.

At a recent meeting of Health ministers from the Americas at PAHO, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson said, "Given the evolving opportunities and the reality of an uncertain future, we must work together if we really want to make a difference," Thompson said. "Although each country has a responsibility to meet the health needs of its people, there are few issues countries working alone can fully resolve. The need to build partnerships and alliances has never been more compelling."

The Pan American Health Organization, which celebrates its 100th anniversary next year, works with all the countries of the Americas to improve the health of their peoples. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization.