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Japan's Parliament Enacts Laws to Establish New Disease Control Body for Future Pandemics

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Ravichandran Devendran
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Japan Enacts Laws to Establish New Disease Control Body for Future Pandemics
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Image Credit: Issei Kato / REUTERS

In a significant move, Japan's parliament has enacted laws to establish a new institution modelled after the renowned U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The decision aims to bolster Japan's response to health crises and address the criticisms the government faced for its handling of the recent coronavirus outbreak. The establishment of this new center marks a crucial step in Japan's preparedness to combat future pandemics effectively.

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Strengthening Japan's Pandemic Response

The newly enacted laws will give birth to a comprehensive system for fighting the next pandemic, comprising various new organizations. Alongside the CDC-inspired institution, a centralized disease response headquarters overseen by the Cabinet Secretariat and an infectious disease countermeasures department at the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare will be established. These organizations will work in tandem to ensure a swift and effective response to any future health crises that may arise.

Uniting Expertise and Functions

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The Japanese version of the CDC will consolidate the disease analysis, research, and monitoring functions currently carried out by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases with the treatment, clinical research, and international cooperation overseen by the National Center for Global Health and Medicine. By bringing together these separate entities, the new institution will have the ability to respond comprehensively at each stage, from data collection to healthcare provision. This integration of expertise will foster a more streamlined and effective approach to tackling emerging diseases.

Key Responsibilities and Collaboration

One of the primary roles of the new institution will be to provide scientific expert opinions to both the prime minister and health minister, facilitating informed decision-making at the highest levels. Moreover, it will play a pivotal role in advising the government's countermeasures department, contributing valuable insights to shape the overall strategy in response to a pandemic. This collaborative approach between the new institution and government entities aims to rectify the shortcomings highlighted during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Learning from the Past

The need for swifter decision-making, enhanced coordination between government entities and municipal administrations, and improved risk communication were starkly highlighted during the COVID-19 crisis. Acknowledging these deficiencies, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida first announced the intention to establish the CDC-inspired organization in June last year. The government expert panel reviewing Japan's COVID-19 response underscored the lack of preparedness in normal times for an infectious disease emergency, slow testing capacity enhancement, and strain on the medical system. The establishment of the new system aims to rectify these shortcomings and ensure a more robust response in the future.

A Work in Progress

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While the laws have been enacted, the specifics of the new institution's structure and personnel are yet to be determined. A health ministry official has expressed the government's commitment to refining the details to ensure that the institution can fulfil its expected duties effectively. The introduction of the new system must take place within three years of the law's promulgation, signifying Japan's commitment to expediting its preparedness for future pandemics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Japan's parliament has taken a significant step toward fortifying the nation's ability to respond to future health crises. The establishment of a CDC-inspired institution and the integration of various functions and expertise will enable a more comprehensive approach to disease control and prevention. As Japan learns from the challenges faced during the coronavirus pandemic, it seeks to build a more resilient healthcare system that prioritizes timely decision-making, seamless coordination, and effective risk communication. The world watches as Japan sets an example for proactive pandemic preparedness.

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