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Experts Demand State Public Health Agency to Lead Health Crises

The Spanish Society of Public Health and Sanitary Administration calls for the definitive launch of the agency, with Granada as a leading candidate.

Generic image of a stethoscope on a map of Spain with an Andalusian background.
IA

Generic image of a stethoscope on a map of Spain with an Andalusian background.

Health experts, through the Spanish Society of Public Health and Sanitary Administration (SESPAS), have reiterated the urgency of establishing the State Public Health Agency, a key body for managing health crises like the recent hantavirus outbreak.

The Spanish Society of Public Health and Sanitary Administration (SESPAS) has called for the "definitive" launch of the State Public Health Agency. This organization is considered fundamental for improving coordination in health management, especially after the recent hantavirus crisis, which highlighted the need for a more unified and clear response to health emergencies.
Granada has shown particular interest in hosting this agency, having formalized its candidacy with the central government. The proposal aims to "promote Spain's leadership in the surveillance and management of new diseases from Andalusia," according to previous statements from the Ministry of Health, in a context marked by complex health threats and rapid technological transformation.
Joan Carles March, a professor at the Andalusian School of Public Health (EASP), emphasized that the State Agency would allow for "coordinating everything related to epidemiological surveillance, improvement proposals, public health communication," and other crucial aspects in crisis situations. According to March, having this independent body, coordinated with the Ministry of Health, would have prevented "stories" of health alert management and the political polarization that often surrounds these issues.
SESPAS has also used the current situation to "insist on the convenience of structurally reinforcing public health." The entity points out that investment in this sector nationally remains below the Eurozone average and below 2020 levels, and that the observed increase in spending between 2020 and 2023 was mainly due to vaccines, with funds needing to be allocated to personnel and facilities.
The State Public Health Agency (AESP) "must assume the role of technical reference and coordination among public health administrations, at regional, state, and international levels," according to SESPAS. The agency will perform functions in surveillance, preparedness and response to emergencies, advisory services, international public health, and risk communication.
Eight cities have applied to host the new Agency: Granada, Barcelona, León, Lugo, Murcia, Oviedo, Toledo, and Zaragoza. The selection, initially scheduled for February 17, has been postponed by the Government until August 18 of this year.

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