![This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. A novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). [CDC Image - Photo Credit: Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAM]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2871-resized.png)
To protect the American people, our home, and our way of life, the United States actively works to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. Outbreaks of infectious disease do not respect national boundaries. Halting and treating diseases at their points of origin is one of the best and most economical ways of saving lives and protecting Americans. The U.S. National Security Strategy and U.S. National Biodefense Strategy prioritize U.S. efforts to build global health security capacity. The United States leads internationally, collaborating with countries to invest in basic health care systems and address infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, Ebola, Zika, and influenza.
Two offices at the U.S. Department of State focus on mobilizing international efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to global health security threats wherever they begin.
Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy (OGAC):
OGAC leads and manages the implementation of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Since its inception in 2003, PEPFAR has saved more than 17 million lives, prevented millions of new HIV infections, and accelerated progress toward controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic in more than 50 countries worldwide.
PEPFAR’s investments also strengthen the systems that drive effective, efficient, and sustainable health care, better enabling countries to address swiftly other current and future health challenges and improving global health security. PEPFAR exemplifies what is possible through compassionate, cost-effectiveness, accountable, and transparent U.S. foreign assistance. Read more about PEPFAR
Office of International Health and Biodefense (IHB):
IHB is responsible for advancing foreign policy on international health issues, with a focus on protecting the United States from infectious disease threats. IHB leads State Department efforts on pandemic response, coordinating international activities in support of U.S. citizens and affected foreign populations.
IHB also engages foreign governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to build global health security capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases. Read more about IHB
