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Global Health

Global Health




The health of the U.S. population can be affected by public health threats or events across the globe. Recent examples of this include the Ebola Virus outbreak that began in 2014, the 2003 SARS epidemic, and the 2009 spread of novel H1N1 influenza. Improving global health can improve health in the United States and support national and global security interests by fostering political stability, diplomacy, and economic growth worldwide.

Why Is Global Health Important?


Rapid identification and control of emerging infectious diseases helps:

  • Promote health abroad
  • Prevent the international spread of disease
  • Protect the health of the U.S. population


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Understanding Global Health

How does the United States help improve global health?

Many U.S. Government (USG) agencies provide funding, human resources, and technical support to global health initiatives including:

The United States cooperates with other countries to address priority public health issues and prepare for and respond to emerging and pandemic diseases. In February 2010, the United States announced a new Global Health Initiative, which invests $63 billion over 6 years to help partner countries improve health outcomes, with a particular focus on improving the health of women, newborns, and children. In 2014, the Obama Administration launched the Global Health Security Agenda to accelerate progress toward a world safe and secure from infectious disease threats. As part of the Global Health Security Agenda, USG agencies are harnessing $5 billion to address Ebola preparedness overseas and at home, and are also working with other nations building capacity needed to prevent, detect, and respond to other infectious disease threats.

How does improved global health help the United States?

U.S. investments in improving health in developing countries provide significant public health benefits within the United States. Many global health issues can directly or indirectly impact the health of the United States. Outbreaks of infectious diseases, foodborne illnesses, or contaminated pharmaceuticals and other products, cannot only spread from country to country, but also impact trade and travel. The United States can also learn from the experiences of other countries. Standard health measures of life expectancy and chronic disease, including depression among adults, can be compared to other Organization for Economic and Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries. For those countries with better health outcomes than the United States, health agencies within the United States can use these comparisons to identify ways to improve the Nation’s public health.

Emerging Issues in Global Health



The world community is finding better ways to confront major health threats. WHO, through the 2005 IHR, proposes new guidance and promotes cooperation between developed and developing countries on emerging health issues of global importance. The IHR require countries to develop appropriate surveillance and response capacities to address these health concerns. All of these issues will require enhanced U.S. collaboration with other countries to protect and promote better health for all.







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