CSIS develops commission to strengthen global health security

A collaborative effort aimed at bringing together a variety of health and security experts to chart the future of U.S. leadership in global health security was recently launched by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Officially slated to begin work in February 2018, the Commission on Strengthening America’s Health Security will draw upon the expertise and experience of Congress, past presidential administrations, industry, universities, foundations, and nongovernmental organizations to plan a way forward for U.S. national security interests.

Specifically, it will examine how the United States. has responded to public health emergencies, such as the recent outbreaks of Ebola and Zika viruses, as well as how to respond to risks associated with rapid advances in biotechnology.

It will also focus on issues related to protecting health workers and facilities across conflict zones in the Middle East and Africa and how to bolster global capacities in order to prevent an incident of pandemic disease.

Co-directed by J. Stephen Morrison, director of the CSIS Global Health Policy Center, and Rebecca Hersman, director of the CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues, the commission will aim to maintain highly-active relations with the administration and develop an advisory group of experts who will deliberate and provide recommendations for the commission’s work.