[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 183 (Wednesday, September 21, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 58466]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-24205]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Request for Comments on World Health Organization Pandemic 
Influenza Preparedness Framework

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The International Trade Administration invites submission of 
comments from the public and relevant industries on influenza 
surveillance and response, including implementation of the World Health 
Organization Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework (http://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHA64/A64_8-en.pdf) and additional 
planning for future possible pandemic influenza.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before October 21, 
2011. Comments should be no more than 15 pages. Business-confidential 
information should be clearly identified as such.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
    E-mail: [email protected].
    Fax: (202) 482-0975 (Attn.: Jane Earley).
    Mail or Hand Delivery/Courier: Jane Earley, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, Office of Health and Consumer Goods, Room 1015, 1401 
Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions on the submission of 
comments, please contact Jane Earley by phone at (202) 482-6241 or 
Andrea Cornwell at (202) 482-0998.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Written comments are sought in light of the 
approval of the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Influenza 
Preparedness Framework by WHO Member States at the World Health 
Assembly and the need for the U.S. Government to participate in 
discussions and activities to plan for future pandemics. The facts and 
information obtained from written submissions will be used to inform 
the participation of the United States Department of Commerce in the 
interagency process to prepare for United States participation in 
international pandemic preparedness discussions and activities, 
following the May 2011 approval of the WHO Pandemic Influenza 
Preparedness Framework. The written submissions will be shared with 
other interested U.S. Government agencies, as needed, during the 
interagency process.
    This agency previously requested comments on international pandemic 
influenza preparedness via the Federal Register on September 14, 2010; 
75 FR 55776-55777.
    The Department of Commerce invites comments from civil society 
organizations as well as pharmaceutical and medical technology 
industries and other interested members of the public on a number of 
issues regarding pandemic influenza preparedness and response.
    The Department of Commerce invites written submissions on the 
following topics:
    1. Implementation of the WHO Pandemic Influenza Preparedness 
Framework.
    2. Operations of the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response 
System.
    3. Other matters related to prevention, planning and response whose 
resolution will be integral for the effective operation of a global 
influenza pandemic response.
    4. Other matters that are related to the substance contained in 1-
3, above.
    Upon receipt of the written submission, representatives from the 
Department of Commerce will consider them and share them, as needed, 
with other interested U.S. Government agencies and departments. 
Entities making submissions may be contacted for further information or 
explanation and, in some cases, meetings with individual submitters may 
be requested.

    Dated: September 15, 2011.
 James Rice,
Acting Director, Office of Health and Consumer Goods, International 
Trade Administration.
[FR Doc. 2011-24205 Filed 9-20-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P