Dive Brief:
- A new report from Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) finds the majority of states (28) meet just five or fewer of 10 key indicators regarding the prevention, detection, and response to infectious disease to outbreaks.
- It concludes the U.S. must take steps to better protect itself against emerging threats like MERS-CoV and antibiotic-resistant superbugs, as well as and resurging diseases like whooping cough and tuberculosis.
- RWJF reports five states (Delaware, Kentucky, Maine, New York, and Virginia) tied for the best score of eight out of ten, while seven states (Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Utah) tied for the lowest score of three out of 10.
Dive Insight:
Among the report's targeted issues include healthcare-associated infections, childhood vaccinations, flu vaccinations, Hep C and HIV/AIDS, food safety, emerging threats, and superbugs. "More than two million Americans contract antibiotic-resistant infections each year, leading in excess of 23,000 deaths, $20 billion in direct medical costs and more than $35 billion in lost productivity," the report noted.
It recommends increased resources and surveillance, incentives for the development of new treatments and vaccines, and further attention to antibiotic overuse and vaccination rates.
Hospitals were also targeted with priorities including high-volume patient preparations and the reduction of healthcare-associated infections.