Our Mission
The Office of International Health and Biodefense (IHB) promotes U.S. national security and economic prosperity by combating biothreats and outbreaks of infectious disease through diplomacy.
Key Topics
- Building Global Health Security
- Responding to International Outbreaks of Infectious Disease
- Supporting the Development and Use of Vaccines and Therapeutics
- Raising International Awareness of Health Priorities
- Using a Whole-of-Government Approach To Advance Health Objectives
Building Global Health Security
IHB encourages foreign governments, the private sector, and civil society to take concrete steps to stop the spread of infectious diseases and treat those infected. This includes active U.S. leadership in the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA)
Learn More about Building Global Health Security Building Global Health SecurityResponding to International Outbreaks of Infectious Disease
IHB leads State Department efforts to respond to Ebola, Zika, influenza, polio, tuberculosis, and other infectious disease outbreaks.
Learn More about Responding to International Outbreaks of Infectious Disease Responding to International Outbreaks of Infectious DiseaseSupporting the Development and Use of Vaccines and Therapeutics
IHB supports the development and implementation of effective international frameworks and activities to develop, produce, and distribute vaccines and therapeutics.
Learn More about Supporting the Development and Use of Vaccines and Therapeutics Supporting the Development and Use of Vaccines and TherapeuticsRaising International Awareness of Health Priorities
IHB partners with U.S. embassies to raise awareness of infectious disease threats, highlighting specific actions foreign audiences can take to build global health security and address outbreaks of infectious disease.
Learn More about Raising International Awareness of Health Priorities Raising International Awareness of Health PrioritiesUsing a Whole-of-Government Approach To Advance Health Objectives
IHB collaborates with interagency colleagues to ensure U.S. officials effectively implement health priorities across the U.S. government.
Learn More about Using a Whole-of-Government Approach To Advance Health Objectives Using a Whole-of-Government Approach To Advance Health Objectives