The Japanese government has recently taken a significant step in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by creating the Cabinet Agency for Infectious Disease Crisis Management. This agency has been established as a central command center to oversee and coordinate the government's efforts in managing infectious diseases, with a special focus on responding to pandemics effectively. The formation of this agency comes in the wake of the government's recognition of the need for a more unified and coordinated approach to dealing with infectious diseases.

One of the key responsibilities of the newly established agency is to revise the government's action plan over a period of approximately one year. This revision process is crucial in ensuring that Japan is better equipped to handle any potential future pandemics that may arise. The agency was set up within the Cabinet Secretariat under the revised Cabinet Law that was passed in April, signaling the government's commitment to enhancing its preparedness and response capabilities in the face of infectious disease crises.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Shunichi Kuryu has been appointed to lead the agency, with Masami Sakoi overseeing administrative affairs related to infectious disease crisis management. In times of emergency, the agency's workforce can be boosted to around 300 officials, including those who will also handle responsibilities at relevant ministries and agencies concurrently. The government's aim is to create a more streamlined system that allows for better collaboration and communication among different entities involved in responding to infectious disease outbreaks.

The new agency will not only focus on revising action plans but also on providing medical services, securing supplies of medicines and vaccines, and setting standards for urging the public to restrict social activities when necessary. By drawing on expert opinions and establishing partnerships with other ministries and agencies, the agency aims to develop a comprehensive strategy for handling infectious disease crises. Additionally, the agency will work towards creating a Japanese version of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by fiscal year 2025, with a focus on advising the government based on scientific knowledge to improve overall response capabilities.