Government adopts integrated approach in preparing for
health emergencies including pandemic influenza

Government will invest upwards of $4.7 million in Budget 2006 to ensure the province is prepared to respond to and manage public health emergencies, including pandemic influenza, should the need arise. Through this investment, government will create a strong public health system that supports the integration of population health assessment, health surveillance, disease and injury prevention, health promotion and health protection.

"The threat of a potential influenza pandemic is a public concern around the world, and one our government takes very seriously. Today we are announcing $4.7 million to help fund our integrated approach for health and emergency preparedness," said Premier Williams. "Our government is investing resources now to ensure that we are prepared to respond to potential emergencies. This is the responsible approach, as these new investments will enhance capacity at the regional level and throughout the province to ensure that our population is prepared and protected."

Government will invest $800,000 in Budget 2006 to add to the current stockpile of antiviral treatment to further enhance the province�s preparedness to respond to an influenza pandemic. This investment will bring the total number of antiviral doses to 880,000, which will provide sufficient treatment for those who need it. The goal is to provide an effective vaccine as soon as possible after the declaration of a pandemic. Influenza vaccines have to be made specifically for the particular virus causing an epidemic or pandemic. Until a pandemic vaccine is available, however, treatment with antivirals will be necessary for those ill with influenza, an important part of the response to a pandemic.

Recognizing that emergencies happen and must receive a response at the local level, government will invest approximately $465,000 to hire four regional health emergency professionals, along with their required supports, to develop regional emergency response plans with initial priority on pandemic influenza preparedness planning.

"The renewed threat of natural biological disasters such as pandemic influenza requires an investment in emergency health management," said Health and Community Services Minister Tom Osborne. "There is a need within all health regions to develop comprehensive all-hazards health emergency management programs to be in a state of readiness."

Government will hire 39 public health nursing positions over the next two years to enhance the core public health programs within the four health regions. Budget 2006 will include $1.5 million to begin this process. This investment will also ensure the administration of public health delivered immunization programs with a capacity for mass immunization in the event of a pandemic.

Government will invest a further $344,800 to create new positions at the Department of Health and Community Services, including an epidemiologist, infection control specialist, director of disease control, director of public health information management, and deputy provincial medical officer of health. The creation of these new positions will increase the province�s ability to provide expertise and to support its leadership role in all areas of public health.

"This investment is good news for public health and our partners in the province. It will allow us to build a solid provincial public health infrastructure while ensuring dedicated resources in the regions," said Dr. Faith Stratton, chief medical officer of health.

Animal health
Government is also moving forward with recommendations to enhance animal health service delivery in the province. Budget 2006 contains a $1.3 million commitment to address growing concerns in the area of animal and human health interaction and to enable service delivery to a growing industry. This new funding will enable the Department of Natural Resources (Agrifoods Branch) to meet its shared mandate with the Department of Health and Community Services. As a result of this investment, both departments will be better equipped to provide an early detection and response capability in a number of areas of public health concern, including avian influenza, Lyme disease, West Nile virus, rabies and Hantavirus. Funding under this initiative will be used to conduct ongoing animal surveillance throughout the province and to provide for input into the public health response system.

"The department is renewing its commitment to animal health services and is exercising its responsibility to contribute to the monitoring and control of animal-based diseases and the potential impact these may have on public health and the agriculture industry," said Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources. "This $1.3 million investment in animal health services infrastructure and professional expertise improves the ability of government to anticipate, quickly respond and act on emerging animal health issues."

Emergency planning
Budget 2006 will include a further $290,000 to the Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Measures Organization (NLEMO) for emergency preparedness and emergency response. The new funding will support three new staffing positions: emergency management officer; disaster financial assistance arrangements coordinator; and fire protection officer. This is a significant increase in human resources that will support existing NLEMO staff with a variety of duties including inspections, investigations, emergency planning and financial assistance.

"This budget increase of $290,000 demonstrates government�s commitment to emergency preparedness and emergency response," stated Jack Byrne, Minister responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Measures Organization (NLEMO). "Our officials at NLEMO are to be commended for their record of excellence in dealing with emergencies throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. This budget commitment is an acknowledgement of the valued work carried out by NLEMO staff and will bolster resources as we continue to provide these valuable services for the people of the province."

The addition of an emergency management officer to NLEMO is an expansion of its ability to further co-ordinate and advocate the development of municipal emergency planning.

Government recently appointed Mike Samson as the new deputy minister for emergency planning. Mr. Samson will have responsibility for developing a comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness within the provincial government, and make recommendations to government on legislative changes, financial and organizational requirements for more effective emergency preparedness.

Media contact:

Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500 or elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Tansy Mundon, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377, 685-1741 or tansymundon@gov.nl.ca
John Tompkins, Municipal Affairs, (709) 729-1983, 690-2498 or jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
Ed Moriarity, Natural Resources, (709) 729-5777, 728-9623 or edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca

2006 03 17                                                     11:10 a.m.