Global health security protects people everywhere from the threat of infectious diseases by preventing, detecting and responding to outbreaks before they escalate into global health emergencies.
In 2003, the world narrowly avoided disaster when SARS, a lethal virus many times more deadly than COVID-19, spread to 29 countries within months. Swift containment efforts averted catastrophe, but that near-miss underscored a hard truth later made real by COVID-19: a health threat in one country can quickly become a crisis everywhere, and weaknesses in health systems put the entire world at risk.
Making the world safer for everyone means defeating HIV, TB and malaria as public health threats, which still kill millions of people each year. Fighting these three diseases not only saves lives, but also strengthens entire health systems, improves outbreak preparedness and response, fuels economic growth and promotes global stability.
The Global Fund’s investments extend far beyond low- and middle-income countries. By confronting today’s deadliest epidemics and supporting stronger health and community systems, we help to reinforce health security worldwide – making all countries healthier, safer and more prosperous.