From heparin and H1N1 to the whole range of farm-to-fork food safety issues that have dominated headlines, it's been quite a ride recently at the FDA. An April 2009 poll from Harris Interactive/HealthDay reported that about half of all Americans still give the FDA a negative rating on its ability to protect the nation's food and drug supply. While these figures actually represent a slight improvement over the public's opinion in 2008, the Obama FDA finds itself at a critical time for revamping the nation's confidence in the agency.
Perhaps with this in mind, newly-minted FDA Commissioner Peggy Hamburg and her Principal Deputy Commissioner, Joshua Sharfstein, have written a Perspective piece in this week's New England Journal of Medicine outlining their shared vision for the agency.
They propose a plan to transform the FDA from a body often perceived as managing inspections and approvals into one with a science-based, public health mission at its core - a seemingly wise platform to rebuild the public's trust and Congressional support on. The FDA will "promote health, prevent illness and prolong life" by ensuring that the nation has "access to a safe and nutritious food supply and to innovative and effective medical products."
In addressing the challenges the agency faces balancing scientific innovation with regulatory protections, the immediate need of enhancing risk communication is highlighted. Hamburg and Sharfstein assert that the FDA "must communicate frequently and clearly about risks and benefits" and reaffirm the agency's commitment to transparency. It's also welcome news to see the FDA emphasizing enhanced collaboration with USDA and across HHS - with CDC, CMS and NIH - as well as with outside partners, an element critical to the government's success in managing emerging crises.
Of course, the agency remains woefully under-funded and significant improvements will require increased resources and support. Public confidence will take time to evolve. However, Hamburg and Sharfstein are off to an encouraging start with their public health campaign. Perhaps improving our opinion of the FDA's ability to advance national health is finally a mission...possible?
Courtney Gray Haupt, Senior Director, Public Affairs and Health Policy
