P5-B annual budget for pandemic preparedness, response pushed

Sec. Vince Dizon undergoing COVID-19 testing at SMC’s new lab

MANILA, Philippines — A P5 billion budget should be allotted annually for pandemic preparedness and response to ensure that the country is equipped to address future health emergency crises, a lawmaker proposed Monday.

Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera said that the budget would ensure  adequate financing of the capabilities and infrastructure needed to prevent, identify, contain and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.

“It is high time for the government to start investing in pandemic preparedness and response to help the country fight future pandemics, save lives and cushion their economic impacts as we have seen in this ongoing COVID-19 crisis,” Herrera said in a statement.

Herrera said the budget for pandemic preparedness and response should be a “permanent fixture” in the annual General Appropriations Act, adding that providing funding for such would end the “vicious cycle of panic and neglect” following an outbreak.

“With that amount, we will be able to fund critical public health functions such as disease surveillance, diagnostic laboratories and emergency operations centers, which enable the early identification and containment of outbreaks,” Herrera said.

“Such funding would also cover maintenance and replenishment of the stockpile of antivirals, antibiotics and other critical medical supplies including personal protective equipment, and for vaccine purchase,” the lawmaker added.

Herrera noted that a flurry of proactive public health measures in the form of funding, task forces and renewed interest in vaccine development are seen in the wake of every disease outbreak.

However, as the crisis comes under control, government attention shifts to “other seemingly more pressing issues”, the lawmaker said.

Citing a World Bank study, Herrera pointed out that pandemic preparedness is relatively inexpensive and affordable compared to its socioeconomic impacts.

As of July 19, there are 67,456 COVID-19 cases in the country, with 22,465 recoveries and 1,831 deaths.

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