US federal health agency failing on crises, says watchdog

Government Accountability Office says persistent deficiencies' at HHS have hindered response to public health emergencies

The US government's main health agency 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, a federal watchdog said Thursday.

The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office said it is designating the Health and Human Services Department's leadership and coordination of public health emergencies as a high risk" area for the government.