US health agency failing to lead response to public crises: AP

WASHINGTON - A US federal watchdog has indicated that the US government's main health agency is failing to fulfill its duties for leading the US national response to public health crises, according to the Associated Press (AP).

The US federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) "is failing to meet its responsibilities for leading the national response to public health emergencies including the coronavirus pandemic, extreme weather disasters and even potential bioterrorist attacks," the AP said in a report on Thursday, citing the Government Accountability Office.

The office, an independent, non-partisan agency that works for the US Congress, is designating the HHS' leadership and coordination of public health emergencies as a "high risk" area for the US government, according to the AP.

The move, though bringing no immediate penalties, highlights the need for Congress to pay special attention to the HHS' operations, according to the AP.