Editor’s note: Tom Frieden, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2009 to 2017, is president and chief executive of Resolve to Save Lives and senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations.
CNN — The United States’ response to H5N1, known as “bird flu,” has been delayed, highlighting the risks of gaps in coordination and trust. With cases reported in both humans and cattle across the country, the virus poses a significant threat that must be addressed promptly to protect public health and the economy.
We’ve had over 20 years to prepare for the arrival of H5N1, yet the response has been lacking. However, Finland successfully contained the virus in animals before it spread to humans. The key to their success lies in three crucial actions that the US can learn from.
Rapid response: Finland confirmed cases within 24 hours and immediately initiated tracking measures. In contrast, the US has struggled with delayed detection and response, putting both animal and human health at risk.
Trust: Finland’s proactive approach and transparent communication built trust with farmers, resulting in swift action and support for containment efforts. In contrast, trust in the US government remains low, especially among rural communities.
Coordinated government response: Finland’s collaborative approach between human health and agriculture officials paved the way for effective control measures. The US must improve coordination among multiple agencies to ensure a unified response.
In conclusion, a swift and coordinated response is essential to prevent H5N1 from becoming a widespread epidemic. Every country, including the US, must learn from successful containment efforts to protect public health and the economy.