Pandemic preparation: 'You don't want it to be a political fight' - Michael Baker
Epidemiologist Michael Baker is calling for non-partisan cooperation in New Zealand's pandemic preparedness efforts following the government's response to a recent inquiry. Despite the call for unity, political leaders have continued to trade accusations regarding past pandemic management.
Why it matters
Effective pandemic response requires long-term policy stability, which is often undermined by partisan political conflict.
Epidemiologist Michael Baker is urging MPs to keep politics out of preparation for future pandemics.
The government on Wednesday accepted "in some form" all of the Covid-19 inquiry's 63 recommendations - 21 in full, 36 in principle, leaving the remaining six partially accepted.
They focused on pandemic preparedness and response.
Professor Baker said the government's acceptance of the recommendations was pleasing, but he was concerned about their implementation.
"This can't be just business as usual, because many of these activities require a very concerted response by multiple government agencies led by the Ministry of Health," he said.
"It does indicate that wherever possible, these measures will be implemented in the next 12 months, which is quite ambitious."
Many of the measures would continue in perpetuity, which was the nature of pandemic preparedness, he said.
"It is an ongoing, continuous refinement process, and that is why it does require committed resources."
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in