The recent US Department of State’s establishment of the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy is a significant commitment to preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious diseases. Expanding this essential health security mission throughout diplomatic and development channels is a strong indication of continued investment in ensuring that the next pandemic does not again risk millions of lives around the world.
The United States is a global leader in combatting infectious diseases as shown by its leadership in investing in mechanisms like PEPFAR, Global Fund, and the Pandemic Fund. This new Bureau will be integral to maintaining a forward thinking posture and leveraging the foundation already created through the investments made by many. In order to safeguard global citizenry’s health and safety, the Bureau recognized the need to further investment in coordinated efforts and to ensure that investments cut across health sectors.
We know that factors like climate change, conflict, and mass displacement will continue to exacerbate the likelihood of pathogens spreading. Integrating health security as a key element of the State Department’s functions and collaborating with global partners will strengthen combined abilities to counter emerging threats and keep people safe. This coordinated approach is fundamental to elevating measures to protect against future public health emergencies. The Bureau builds on progress made to ensuring global health security work is a coordinated effort across departments, across agencies, and across geographical boundaries. We welcome the creation of this new Bureau and look forward to seeing its work expedite strategies to help countries and communities be better prepared to detect and respond to future threats.
