The Big Cities Health Coalition has publicly applauded the U.S. Senate for reaching a bipartisan deal to allocate funds to combat the emerging Zika virus outbreak.
BCHC is comprised of local health departments from 28 of the largest, most urban cities in the United States. All total, the coalition represents an estimated one in six Americans.
The federal funds will help support surveillance activities, vaccine research and diagnostic development and procurement. Local and state health departments — particularly those in areas with ongoing Zika transmission — can also apply for funds to increase their readiness and response capacity.
Although encouraged by the Zika funding deal, BCHC also warns the government not to underestimate the efforts and funding still need to address the global Ebola response.
"These funds will allow America's public health workforce to mount a strong response to the Zika virus outbreak, but Congress must refrain from subsequently syphoning money from previously allocated preparedness funds meant to address the ongoing Ebola threat," said Chrissie Juliano, director of The Big Cities Health Coalition. "American families have waited long enough for Congress to act, and the emergency funding needs to reach cities as quickly as possible to address the emerging outbreak."
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