Global Health Security Agenda
The Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) is an international effort operating in the field of infection prevention and control. A brainchild of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was launched in February 2014 by a group of 44 countries and organizations including WHO. It was launched in 2014 as a five-year multilateral effort with the purpose to accelerate the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005), particularly in developing countries. In 2017, GHSA was expanded to include non-state actors. It was also extended through 2024 with the release of the "Global  Health Security Agenda (GHSA) 2024 Framework" (called “GHSA 2024”). The latter has the purpose to reach a standardized level of capacity to combat infectious diseases. More than 70% of the world remains underprepared to prevent, detect, and respond to a public health emergency. Through GHSA, the CDC works with countries to strengthen public health systems and contain outbreaks at the source, before they spread into regional epidemics or global pandemics. Public health threats, health emergencies, and infectious diseases do not recognize or respect borders. Effective and functional public health systems in all countries reduce the risk and opportunity for health  threats to affect the US. CDC leadership and expertise have been instrumental in focusing a multisectoral and multinational coalition across 11 technical areas known as GHSA Action Packages that build core public health capacities in partner countries. CDC’s focus on GHSA Action Packages such as disease surveillance, laboratory systems, workforce development, and emergency management have already resulted in measurable progress. CDC’s global work protects Americans both at home and abroad and ensures that health threats do not reach US borders. Under the GHSA, the taxpayer is committed to partner with: 17 Phase I countries that receive financial support  and technical assistance from CDC; 14 Phase II countries that receive only technical assistance from CDC. Organization. A Steering Group is responsible for the governance of the GHSA. In the period from 2019 to 2023, the Steering Group has ten permanent members, including Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Korea, Senegal, Thailand, United States, GHSA Consortium (GHSAC), Private Sector Round Table (PSRT). Additionally, the Steering Group currently has six rotating members, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Finland, Netherlands, World Bank.