BETHESDA, MD—If there is a global influenza pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be ready to conduct research essential to protecting the public, with the support of Abt Associates. Under a $16.5 million contract, Abt Associates will be building a research infrastructure for CDC at various sites worldwide that will allow it to rapidly launch epidemiology studies essential to protecting the public in the event of a respiratory disease pandemic. The contract also calls for Abt to examine the burden and epidemiology of influenza in resource-poor developing countries. Both tasks build on previous influenza work Abt has performed for the CDC to advance research on influenza and pandemics.
 
“Influenza is an important cause of illness and death worldwide. Abt’s experience in conducting large-scale epidemiologic studies in influenza, our presence around the world, and our long history of conducting research for CDC will enable us to effectively carry out these important studies for the agency,” said Dr. Christopher Spera, Division Vice President for US Health at Abt Associates.
 
Under the five-year task order, Abt will be examining the effect of flu, including measuring the effectiveness of flu vaccines, among vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries. These populations include pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and people co-infected with HIV and other chronic diseases.   
 
Abt’s first task will be to assist CDC with identifying and planning for up to 11 studies over the next five years.  
 
“There is a large gap in knowledge regarding influenza and the value of flu vaccination programs in low- and middle-income countries,” said Spera, “and this work will provide CDC with valuable information that can contribute to preventing flu-related deaths and illnesses in developing countries.”
 
Abt will perform the work for CDC in partnership with FHI360.
 
About Abt Associates
Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates is regularly ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms and has been named one of the top 40 international development innovators.  The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in more than 40 countries. www.abtassociates.com
 
Contact
Mary Maguire
Mary_Maguire@abtassoc.com
301-347-5859