Rx for Public Health in Responding to Bioterrorism

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Although America's public and private health systems have been able to handle recent outbreaks of anthrax in three states and the nation's capitol, authorities agree that a sophisticated, coordinated attack would overwhelm the nation's ability to respond. The Bush administration wants 1.5 billion dollars to buy drugs, develop vaccines, hire specialists and beef up security. Will that be enough? Can federal, state and local agencies coordinate their resources? We examine America's capacity for responding to bioterrorism and what it will take to prepare for a sustained attack, with public health authorities, science writers, and the ranking member of the Senate Public Health Subcommittee. Newsmaker: Colin Powell's Visit to Pakistan and India - In a meeting with Secretary of State Colin Powell, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has reaffirmed his support for the US war on terrorism. The BBC's Jon Leyne expounds on the meeting, the possibility of a new aid package for Pakistan, and rumors of defection from within Afghanistan's Taliban regime. Reporter's Notebook: Tall Buildings Conference - How will the events of September 11 alter the skyline of the United States? Architect Richard Keating, who has designed skyscrapers in several cities, spoke yesterday to the Conference on Tall Buildings in Chicago. Affirming the inherent safety of such structures, Keating presents a long-range historical view of urban architecture.
Although America's public and private health systems have been able to handle recent outbreaks of anthrax in three states and the nation's capitol, authorities agree that a sophisticated, coordinated attack would overwhelm the nation's ability to respond. The Bush administration wants 1.5 billion dollars to buy drugs, develop vaccines, hire specialists and beef up security. Will that be enough? Can federal, state and local agencies coordinate their resources? We examine America's capacity for responding to bioterrorism and what it will take to prepare for a sustained attack, with public health authorities, science writers, and the ranking member of the Senate Public Health Subcommittee.
  • Newsmaker: Colin Powell's Visit to Pakistan and India - In a meeting with Secretary of State Colin Powell, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has reaffirmed his support for the US war on terrorism. The BBC's Jon Leyne expounds on the meeting, the possibility of a new aid package for Pakistan, and rumors of defection from within Afghanistan's Taliban regime.
  • Reporter's Notebook: Tall Buildings Conference - How will the events of September 11 alter the skyline of the United States? Architect Richard Keating, who has designed skyscrapers in several cities, spoke yesterday to the Conference on Tall Buildings in Chicago. Affirming the inherent safety of such structures, Keating presents a long-range historical view of urban architecture.

BBC

US Department of State

American Public Health Association

Betrayal of Trust
The Coming Plague

Centers for Disease Control

Center for Public Health Preparedness

Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Project

Senator Bill Frist

US Senate Public Health Subcommittee

American Institute of Architects

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney