Military Leads US Pandemic Response
The U.S. bolsters its defenses against future health crises with the creation of the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy (OPPR). At the forefront of this initiative, retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Paul Friedrichs will lead the charge, bringing his expertise to manage the nation’s pandemic response and mitigate potential biological threats.This new agency, taking over from the White House COVID-19 response team, will establish a collaborative effort with industry and the scientific community, underscoring the government’s commitment to robust health security. News Directory 3 reports on the OPPR’s key responsibilities, including securing funding and coordinating pandemic preparedness. Discover what’s next as the agency submits preparedness reviews and outlook reports.
US Launches Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy
Updated June 13, 2025
The U.S. government has established a permanent Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy (OPPR) to coordinate efforts against future biological threats. The White House announced the new agency, which will be responsible for devising responses to public health crises, coordinating scientific research, and providing regular reports to Congress. This initiative underscores the nation’s commitment to strengthening its pandemic response capabilities.
Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Paul Friedrichs will head the OPPR. Friedrichs,currently a special assistant to President Joe Biden and Senior Director for Global Health Security and Biodefense at the National Security council,previously advised the military’s COVID-19 task force. He will begin assembling his team after the office formally opens on Aug. 7.
The OPPR will take over the duties of the White House COVID-19 response team, which was shuttered in May. the new office will also work with industry, the scientific community, and the Department of Health and Human Services to develop medical countermeasures, including vaccines. Priorities include addressing COVID-19, monkeypox, polio, avian and human influenza, and RSV.
Friedrichs’ responsibilities include ensuring the Strategic National Stockpile is well-equipped and working with Congress to secure funding for preparedness efforts.
What’s next
The OPPR is required to submit a preparedness review to lawmakers every two years and an outlook report every five years, ensuring ongoing assessment and adaptation in the face of evolving threats.