Moving the Pandemic Warning System Outside the Government

A while back the Canadian government made a really bone-headed decision, to restrict it's Global Public Health Information Network (GPHIN) to reporting on only domestic outbreaks. This effectively neutered it, and was a contributing factor to the spread of the current pandemic, as the GPHIN might have detected the pandemic weeks or even months before the first announcement at the end of December.

Now, researchers are suggesting restoring the GPHIN to its former role, but having it run outside of the government. The H5NI blog has an excerpt of an article from the Globe and Mail. (I've included links to both the blog and the full Globe and Mail article because of the Globe's paywall).

The proposal is aimed at restoring the Global Public Health Intelligence Network to its former status as an internationally respected pandemic surveillance system. Documents outlining the plan were submitted to an independent panel in Ottawa that is reviewing the system’s future. 

 According to the documents, GPHIN would work with the World Health Organization and be based at the University of Ottawa’s Bruyère Research Institute. The university and the WHO back the idea, says the proposal, which was reviewed by The Globe and Mail. 

“We propose the creation of a Canadian-based WHO collaborating centre for global health intelligence,” the proposal states. Such a move “would provide a new, stable and cost-effective environment for the future management of GPHIN. 

“GPHIN must be guaranteed freedom from government influence or interference. To achieve independence of any future government influence, bias or interference, GPHIN must be situated outside of government.” 

This is a very good idea.