Zika is an addressable threat. While it falls outside of the regular routine of public health preparedness, we shouldn't be scrambling for new resources each time a threat like Zika starts to emerge.

In this quote, Scott Gottlieb discusses the nature of the Zika virus as a public health threat and emphasizes that it is an addressable threat. He argues that although Zika may fall outside the usual scope of routine public health preparedness, society should not be caught off guard every time a similar health threat emerges. Instead of scrambling for new resources and response strategies, Gottlieb advocates for building a more proactive and structured approach to addressing emerging public health crises.

Gottlieb’s point is that while Zika might seem like a unique challenge, it is not unprecedented. By treating it as an addressable issue, he implies that we already have the knowledge, tools, and systems in place to respond to such diseases effectively. His statement calls for better preparedness and a systematic approach to handling health threats, so we don’t find ourselves in a reactive situation when new viruses or health concerns arise.

The origin of this quote comes from Scott Gottlieb, a former Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), known for his work in public health and regulatory affairs. His comments on Zika reflect his broader views on the need for preparedness in dealing with infectious diseases and health emergencies. As a health policy expert, Gottlieb has been an advocate for improving systems that respond to health threats efficiently and sustainably.

Ultimately, Gottlieb’s quote emphasizes the importance of moving beyond reactive measures and instead focusing on building comprehensive, proactive systems for managing public health threats. By doing so, society can better handle emerging diseases like Zika, ensuring a more organized and efficient response when future crises occur.