Executive Order focuses on health security

On November 4, President Obama signed an Executive Order promoting global health security, particularly infectious disease threats. The Executive Order builds on the progress of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) that was launched in 2014, and establishes long-term policy objectives for global health.

The Executive Order also establishes a GHSA Interagency Review Council tasked with carrying out the responsibilities outlined in the order. The Council will be made up of representatives from the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Departments of State, Defense, Justice, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security, as well other U.S. federal agencies.

The Council will meet at least four times each year and will consider U.S. committments to other countries regarding GHSA targets, progress made in achieving GHSA targets, and evaluating U.S. and partner countries’ capabilities in addressing infectious disease threats, among other things.

According to National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice, “The Executive Order will save lives by further leveraging the full power and leadership of the United States Government and is an important step toward a safer, more resilient future.”

For more information on the Executive Order, please follow the links below.
Executive Order — Advancing the Global Health Security Agenda to Achieve a World Safe and Secure from Infectious Disease Threats, White House
Statement by National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice on the Executive Order on Advancing the Global Health Security Agenda, White House