Global logistics/supply chain management: Swine Flu may give shippers one more worry

- Interesting article from logisticsmngmnt.com

WASHINGTON—Transport and logistics analysts are questioning many of the measures now in place to respond to this latest health threat.

While not addressing supply chain concerns specifically, Department of Homeland Secretary, Janet Napolitano, said both the U.S. and Mexican governments are taking steps to reduce the potential for further Swine Flu transmission.

“Our goal is simple,” she said, “to communicate information quickly and clearly for our citizens, to rapidly address any new cases that emerge, and to have the capacity to effectively limit the spread.”

At a press conference held yesterday, Napolitano said that increased surveillance efforts have resulted in the identification of new cases.

“Early identification is vitally important to the overall effort. In the event that additional cases or sites of infection occur within the United States we want to recognize them quickly and then respond rapidly with appropriate guidance for the public health community and the general public in the infected area,” she said.  “We also want to ensure medical surveillance and testing and the provision of medications and medical supplies are distributed where necessary.”

The recent Swine Flu outbreak highlights a need for supply chain resilience and vulnerability assessments, said industry analysts. The latest flu scare is just one example of the vulnerability to risk of offices, logistics facilities or back-office locations, whether in Mexico City or elsewhere,” said Philip Damas, division director, Drewry Supply Chain Advisors.

Read the rest of the article here.