US Pandemic Revamp Raises Worry of ‘More Cooks in the Kitchen’

An effort to give new powers to a US health emergency preparedness and response office is unlikely to clarify what part of the federal government takes charge in future pandemics, say former health officials.

Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that it would elevate and give new duties to what has been known as the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. Under its new name — the Administration of Strategic Preparedness and Response — it will become an “operating division” on par with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug ...