Data Driven Review of Health Security Adoption in 95 Countries

Abstract

Disease surveillance continues to grow in importance as new and reoccurring infectious diseases emerge and reemerge at increasing rates. The World Health Organization adopted the International Health Regulations in 2005 with the aim to prevent, protect against, control, and provide a public health response to the international spread of biological diseases and other threats (including chemical, radiological, nuclear, or other threats). To measure a country’s individual status and progress in building the necessary health security capacity, a Joint External Evaluation assessment from 95 countries completed from 2016 to 2019 are reviewed. Findings suggest that high and upper middle-income countries have established capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to biological, chemical, or radiological threats. Results show that low and lower-income countries are in the early stages of addressing priority areas. Continued funding is needed across low and lower-income countries in efforts to increase their surge capacities to respond to disruptions and contain outbreaks of high-threat diseases. The differences in health security are tied to adequate funding and contribute to health protection benefits. This chapter recognizes the importance of investment in multiple countries to develop health surveillance and response capabilities using complimentary public health approaches to address widespread disease concerns and suggests what additional resources may be needed.