Fighting Global Threats

The Issue

In today’s interconnected world, a health threat anywhere is a health threat everywhere. Global health threats like Ebola, Zika. COVID-19 and influenza have a direct impact on Americans’ health, safety and security, yet we remain under-prepared.

Why it matters

The best way to stop an outbreak is to stop it at its source. Ebola reminded the world that all countries need safe, secure and strong laboratories, a well-trained workforce, real-time disease surveillance systems and a robust emergency command structure. If an outbreak is not detected early and controlled, it can spread rapidly—causing loss of life, devastating entire health systems, stalling future development and even leading to political instability. Beyond the human toll, health emergencies can disrupt local, regional and international economies and create a global economic impact.

Solution and impact

In 2016 alone, CDC tracked over 35 dangerous pathogens in more than 130 countries. Global health security is critical to protecting and saving lives by preventing illness and deaths globally and domestically; improving countries’ ability to meet their health commitments to the world; and reducing the impact on travel and trade. A global Joint External Evaluation tool, developed by CDC and its partners, identifies the most urgent gaps in public health systems and provides a road map for private-sector partners to identify where resources are needed most. To date, more than 40 countries have completed, or plan to complete, this voluntary evaluation process. 

How you can help

Give now: Beyond federal support, philanthropic and private sector investments are essential to ensure CDC’s ability to support the global community in detecting and responding to urgent health threats and stopping these threats at their source. CDC has a unique role in protecting America’s health security, and its world-class experts are dedicated to containing diseases before they become epidemics that could affect us all. Give now

Learn more: Contact Advancement at the CDC Foundation, advancement@cdcfoundation.org or 404.653.0790