Global health security (GHS) is the existence of strong and resilient public health systems that can prevent, detect, and respond to emerging infectious disease threats, wherever they occur in the world. Since the start of the 21st century, infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics have increased both in severity and frequency. The vast majority - 75% - of emerging infectious disease threats originate from animals, at a time when an increasing number of people around the world are living in closer proximity to animals due to deforestation, land use change, climate change, and a variety of other factors. Across our nation and around the world, millions of people have lost their lives and livelihood because the world lack capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to COVID-19 and other emerging infectious disease threats.

USAID works with partner countries - as well as global, regional, and local public and private sector organizations -  to help strengthen the systems needed to prevent and mitigate the increasing occurrence and severity of emerging infectious disease threats. Launched in 2005 in response to the Avian Influenza, USAID's commitment has increased in the wake of more frequent and severe emerging infectious disease outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic.