SARS and the academic health sector

SARS illustrated the vulnerability of the entire country to the importation of new organisms and other unexpected health crises. As the federal government assumes a leadership role in developing programs and policies affecting the security of Canada, so, too, should it assume a leadership role in public health matters, especially in an era of possible bioterrorism. The essential needs of such a system include: A real-time inventory of research and response capacity to include the academic, industry, and government communities that could respond to a major health crisis in the future. Research platforms in place across the country such as appropriately secure animal care facilities, biobanks, and other technologies necessary to immediately address research issues arising from such a crisis. Coordinated processes to move appropriate people and resources into place when a health crisis requires such action. Financial contingency funds that can be mobilized on relatively short notice to respond to the needs of altered patient care patterns and research.