Britain would FAIL if deadly Ebola struck as report finds we’re too slow to act

BRITAIN is NOT prepared for a deadly epidemic such as Ebola, a scathing report has concluded.

 

A report has warned the UK might not be braced for an outbreak of infectious disease

 

“Systematic” delays at EVERY stage of the Government’s response to an epidemic means Britons are at risk of a virus outbreak spreading at rapid rates before action was taken.

In the terrifying report from the Government’s Science & Technology Select Committee, MPs said Britain's response to the Ebola crisis in Africa was undermined by "systematic delay".

Delays included escalating Public Health England's disease surveillance and assembling the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) - the body responsible for channelling scientific advice to the Government in the event of an emergency.

Sage was not convened until October 2014 - three months AFTER the Government's "Cobra" emergency response committee met.

 



The report also highlighted potential poor vaccine production capacity



 

Concern was also expressed about the handling of Ebola screening at UK entry ports.

The UK's stance on implementing screening at airports changed over the course of three days during the height of the outbreak, and ultimately went against guidance from the World Health Organisation and Public Health England.

More cause for concern was raised in relation to vaccinations. Neither the UK nor the wider international community were sufficiently ready to carry out vaccine and drug trials when the outbreak struck, the MPs added.

The committee warned poor vaccine production capacity could leave the UK vulnerable in the event of other infection epidemics, either abroad or at home.

Nicola Blackwood, who chairs the committee, said: "The Government's emergency response procedures were triggered far too late in the day, Ebola test kits were developed and trialled, but not deployed, and the initial response was ad hoc and uncoordinated.

 

The report also highlighted potential poor vaccine production capacity

 

"A combination of hard work and chance prevented Ebola spreading further than it did, but a future epidemic may be less containable and spread within the UK as well as overseas.

"We must take the opportunity now to ensure that the UK is not caught unprepared when the next disease emergency strikes. Lives can be lost for every day of delay."

In future, a recommendation from the Government's chief scientist should be enough to trigger the convening of Sage, the report said.

The report also called on the Government to negotiate with vaccine manufacturers to ensure a rapid response to any future emergency.

Peter Horby, professor of emerging infectious diseases and global health, at the University of Oxford, said: "The committee report highlights some important issues, which if addressed will go some way to improving the UK response to epidemics like Ebola.

 

The report, by MPs, put forward proposals they think would rectify the situation

"However, the recommendations are largely inward looking and procedural; focused on communications, representation, and decision making.

"To an extent this reflects the terms of reference but for me the report is disappointing in its restricted vision for the scope of UK science to build global resilience against diseases like Ebola."

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa was first reported in March 2014 and quickly became the deadliest occurrence of the disease since its discovery in 1976.

In total an estimated 28,637 people were infected and the virus caused 11,315 probable, suspected or confirmed deaths.

Despite being critical of the UK's response, the report did praise the "heroic" efforts of health worker volunteers who risked their own lives to help victims of the disaster.