As we rapidly approach the five-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dexis reflects on global health programming and its profound implications for security.
The intersection of global health and international security has never been clearer. Health crises—particularly those involving infectious diseases—pose profound risks to stability, social cohesion, and governance worldwide. Events like the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored how swiftly a health emergency can escalate into a broader security threat, impacting not only public health but also geopolitical stability, economic resilience, and military preparedness.
From its work providing USAID with wide-ranging health and program cycle expertise as well as designing, supporting, and evaluating programs for USAID’s Bureau for Global Health to measuring the impact of security cooperation efforts for the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), Dexis understands the complex implications of health crises on global security. Below are some key ways that global health and global security intersect.
A Threat to Systems and Stability
Without proper disease surveillance, isolation protocols, or treatment capabilities, infectious diseases spread uncontrollably. Outbreaks can overwhelm healthcare systems, triggering cascading failures in other sectors, such as disruptions to global supply chains. In some areas, mismanagement of health crises has sparked mass protests, undermining political stability and governance. Furthermore, infectious diseases impact military operations, with outbreaks on military bases and ships threatening force readiness. Combined, these issues put enormous strain on the security of developing countries and fragile states.
A health worker gets her temperature checked during the launch of the mpox vaccination campaign at the General Hospital of Goma, on October 5, 2024 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo: Aubin Mukoni/AFP.
Bioterrorism and Biosecurity
Weak health systems are particularly vulnerable to biological threats, including bioterrorism. Infectious diseases, whether natural or engineered, can be weaponized, causing widespread panic and disruption. Investment in health surveillance, diagnostics, and rapid response capabilities is critical to mitigating the risk of bioterrorist attacks. Global health programs play a crucial role in helping countries build capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats, both natural and deliberate.
Preparing through Policy
Addressing these threats requires dynamic, multi-dimensional health and other policies at both national and international levels. Poorly developed or outdated policies leave partner nations exposed, while even the most current policies may falter in the face of rapidly evolving situations like pandemics. Ministries of health and other essential government bodies benefit from review and revisions by global health efforts in advance of health crises as well as help them to respond in real time to unforeseen shifts in disease outbreaks.
Mpox: A Recent Rapid Response
Dexis, through projects like USAID’s Global Health Technical Assistance and Management Support (GH-TAMS) Project, has been instrumental in providing technical and management support during responses to Zika, COVID-19, Ebola, and Mpox in nearly 50 countries. By tapping into its deep bench of specialists—including Health Advisors, M&E Advisors, Policy and Communications Specialists, and Response Coordinators—Dexis has helped ministries of health build the capacity to better prepare for and respond to health threats.
In just one example, a surge of nearly 20,000 cases of Mpox (formerly monkeypox) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) earlier this year led to hundreds of deaths. GH-TAMS deployed a Global Health Security and Mpox consultant to Kinshasa, DRC in June to support the U.S. government’s response, including coordinating efforts between USAID, the local Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders. An outbreak assessment along the border in Bukavu was requested, however, a burst of fighting and unrest in the area posed significant challenges. The GH-TAMS team swiftly adapted by arranging creative travel solutions and expediting approvals, enabling the technical expert to arrive and help complete the crucial outbreak assessment.
In another example, GH-TAMS worked with USAID’s Outbreak Response Team (ORT) to identify and rapidly deploy a Senior Livestock Technical Specialist to Bujumbura, Burundi to support Mpox preparedness and response activities and the roll out of the Global Health Security program.
As a result of GH-TAMS’ efforts, the Specialist was able to arrive in Bujumbura as the first three cases of Mpox were being reported in the news and provide immediate support to the USG response. The consultant received praise from ORT, which noted that the response effort “…epitomized hitting the ground running…” and was “…instrumental in positioning Burundi (a country with a small USG staff) to successfully mount a response in record time.”
A Much-Needed Global Effort
Health threats have both internal and external consequences. When countries acknowledge that diseases don’t respect borders, commit to sharing expertise, and strengthen local health systems, we foster a safer and healthier world for everyone. By enhancing collaboration, investing in resilient systems, and continuously updating policies, the global community can mitigate the risks posed by infectious diseases and safeguard both public health and international security.
Special thanks to the Dexis team supporting USAID’s Global Health Technical Assistance and Management Support (GH-TAMS) Project for their contributions to this blog.
