IHB collaborates with interagency colleagues to effectively implement health priorities across the U.S. government, including on cross-cutting issues like antimicrobial resistance.
Global health security is a national security priority reflected in the first pillar of the U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS). The Office of International Health and Biodefense (IHB) collaborates with interagency colleagues to ensure health security policies are sound and effectively implemented across U.S. departments and agencies. In September 2018, the President launched the U.S. National Biodefense Strategy (NBS) outlining – for the first time – a comprehensive and integrated U.S. approach to address natural, accidental, and intentional biological threats domestically and internationally. In May 2019, the White House released the Global Health Security Strategy (GHSS) , which outlines the United States Government’s approach to strengthen global health security, including by improving the capacity of foreign countries to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. IHB engages the U.S. interagency and diverse stakeholders to implement these strategies.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a significant threat to achieving the objectives identified in the NSS, NBS, and the GHSS. AMR is a significant threat to health systems and requires a multi-sectoral response. AMR reduces the effectiveness of treatments for viral, bacterial, and fungal infections and results in prolonged illness and greater risk of death for infected patients. AMR puts at risk modern medical advances involving surgery, chemotherapy, maternal and child health, and treatments for infectious diseases like tuberculosis. IHB works with U.S. interagency and global partners to advance a comprehensive, strategic, and innovative approach to combat AMR globally.