WASHINGTON (AP) — Former biodefense official Rick Bright says non-government organizations can fill a critical void in gathering the early signals needed to stop future pandemics. Bright has a unique viewpoint on the lessons of COVID-19. During the first months of the pandemic he was in charge of securing US supplies to fight the pandemic, including tests, drugs and protective equipment. But he was demoted and later left government after clashing with political officials over their approach. Bright, now working with the non-profit Rockefeller Institute, is working to establish an institute that would gather data from around the world that would help tip off public heath officials to emerging threats.
