The spread of infectious diseases constitute a growing risk. The Ebola epidemic in West Africa high-
lights the danger of a raging virus. The spread of new microbes or viruses, the rise and spread of drug
NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY
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resistance, and the deliberate release of pathogens all represent threats that are exacerbated by the
globalization of travel, food production and supply, and medical products. Despite important scientific,
technological, and organizational accomplishments, most countries have not yet achieved international
core competencies for health security, and many lack sufficient capacity to prevent, detect, or respond
to disease outbreaks.
America is the world leader in fighting pandemics, including HIV/AIDS, and in improving global health
security. At home, we are strengthening our ability to prevent outbreaks and ensure sufficient capacity
to respond rapidly and manage biological incidents. As an exemplar of a modern and responsive public
health system, we will accelerate our work with partners through the Global Health Security Agenda in
pursuit of a world that is safer and more secure from infectious disease. We will save lives by strength-
ening regulatory frameworks for food safety and developing a global system to prevent avoidable
epidemics, detect and report disease outbreaks in real time, and respond more rapidly and effectively.
Finally, we will continue to lead efforts to combat the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
