A Critical Opportunity to Improve Public Health Data

This perspective discusses the absence of reliable, nationwide public health data during the Covid-19 pandemic and the urgent need for reform ahead of future health crises. The authors argue that fragmented state-level data systems, constitutional limitations, and outdated infrastructure left federal agencies like the CDC “flying blind.” They review temporary fixes (e.g., DUAs, CARES Act reporting mandates), and propose that reauthorizing the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) could establish enforceable national data standards, require critical data sharing, and fund infrastructure upgrades. Without legislative action, the U.S. risks repeating systemic failures in future pandemics.

This perspective discusses the absence of reliable, nationwide public health data during the Covid-19 pandemic and the urgent need for reform ahead of future health crises. The authors argue that fragmented state-level data systems, constitutional limitations, and outdated infrastructure left federal agencies like the CDC “flying blind.” They review temporary fixes (e.g., DUAs, CARES Act reporting mandates), and propose that reauthorizing the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) could establish enforceable national data standards, require critical data sharing, and fund infrastructure upgrades. Without legislative action, the U.S. risks repeating systemic failures in future pandemics.