Air travel and communicable diseases: Federal leadership needed to advance research : report to congressional committees

Air travel and communicable diseases: Federal leadership needed to advance research : report to congressional committees

Collection:
Health Policy and Services Research
Alternate Title(s):
Federal leadership needed to advance research
Contributor(s):
United States. Government Accountability Office, issuing body.
Publication:
Washington, DC : United States Government Accountability Office, July 2022
Language(s):
English
Format:
Text
Subject(s):
Air Travel
Disease Transmission, Infectious -- legislation & jurisprudence
Government Regulation
Legislation, Medical
Travel-Related Illness -- prevention & control
United States
Genre(s):
Technical Report
Abstract:
Why GAO did this study. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified ongoing concerns about air travel’s role in spreading disease and raised questions about the safety of passengers and crew. Research that could provide quality information on communicable diseases in air travel can help to protect public health. The CARES Act includes a provision for GAO to monitor and report on federal efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. GAO was also asked to review research on disease transmission in air travel. This report examines: (1) the status of research on communicable diseases in air travel, including stakeholders’ views on additional needed research and challenges to conducting it, and (2) the extent to which FAA and other federal agencies are advancing such research. To conduct this work, GAO interviewed stakeholders, including federal officials, researchers, and aviation industry and union representatives. GAO also reviewed academic literature and agency documents, including research plans, as well as key considerations for interagency collaboration. What GAO recommends. Congress should consider directing FAA to develop and implement a strategy to identify and advance needed research on communicable diseases in air travel, in coordination with appropriate federal agencies— such as DHS and HHS—and external partners.
Copyright:
The National Library of Medicine believes this item to be in the public domain. (More information)
Extent:
1 online resource (1 PDF file (iii, 40 pages))
Illustrations:
Illustrations
NLM Unique ID:
9918506288006676 (See catalog record)
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/9918506288006676