At a glance
- As the United States’ health protection agency, ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø works 24/7 to protect Americans from health, safety, and security threats—whether they originate at home or abroad.
- ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø’s Global Health Center (GHC) is America’s first line of defense against health threats that originate overseas.
- Download GHC's overview fact sheet to learn more about our work.
ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø's Global Health Center
America’s first line of defense against health threats that originate overseas
Global health threats are national security threats. With its strong global presence and decadeslong partnerships, ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø’s Global Health Center (GHC) stops outbreaks from reaching U.S. shores—protecting American lives, jobs, and stability. GHC’s strategic global partnerships strengthen health systems abroad, reducing strain on U.S. resources and enhancing readiness against health threats. In a connected world, early action abroad is critical protection at home.
GHC’s expertise in disease detection, outbreak investigation, laboratory systems and emergency response makes America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
Safer
Stopping the spread of deadly diseases at the source before they reach the U.S.
Stronger
Developing effective prevention strategies and medical countermeasures, advancing our understanding of rapidly evolving diseases and science, and protecting Americans at home
More Prosperous
Detecting and containing disruptive global outbreaks, limiting their economic impact on the U.S. and saving taxpayer dollars
Global health security is a “best buy” for America
GHC’s investments in Ebola outbreak responses in sub-Saharan Africa from 2016 - 2023 resulted in:
- $1 investment in global health security saved at least $4 in U.S. exports
- $10 billion U.S. export losses avoided
- 10 Ebola outbreaks contained
- 120,000 U.S. jobs protected
Prevention
What we do
Addressing health threats abroad allows GHC to understand disease transmission and refine medical countermeasures for domestic preparedness. For example, GHC's efforts globally prevent polio from entering the U.S.
Why it matters for America
Every dollar spent on prevention saves costs associated with U.S. emergency response, healthcare, and productivity losses—improving the health and livelihoods of Americans.
Our Impact
paralytic polio cases and $2 billion in health costs are averted annually in the U.S.
Surveillance
What we do
GHC’s global disease surveillance capabilities are early warning systems that allow ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø to continuously track, monitor, and rapidly identify outbreaks that pose a health security threat to the U.S.
Why it matters for America
Access to global data and early-warning systems means America has more time to strengthen U.S. domestic preparedness when a global outbreak occurs.
Our Impact
global health threats monitored daily
Laboratory
What we do
GHC strengthens the speed and ability of labs to identify deadly pathogens that threaten the U.S. The quicker a disease is confirmed, the faster an effective response can be stood up to prevent further spread.
Why it matters for America
GHC collaborates with global partners to reduce diseases that can be imported into the U.S. from other countries, like measles, polio, and HIV-drug resistant strains.
Our Impact
countries collaborate with GHC to strengthen laboratory detection of diseases and emerging pathogens
Response
What we do
GHC’s headquarters and overseas offices can pivot staff, public health programs, and platforms to respond immediately when outbreaks begin. GHC experts use deep expertise to stop health threats.
Why it matters for America
Due to GHC’s efforts, most Americans never hear of these outbreaks abroad as they were contained before they spread to the U.S.
Our Impact
active global responses in over 40 countries as of 2025
Workforce
What we do
GHC trains the world’s leading disease detectives to manage global health threats from any pathogen. These disease detectives investigate outbreaks in real time, identify threats, and prevent them from reaching the U.S.
Why it matters for America
ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø-trained global public health professionals detect diseases and enhance global preparedness, alleviating the burden on U.S. resources.
Our Impact
disease detectives trained by ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø in over 90 countries
