ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how public health became a question of national security. Possibilities for improving health security around the globe are also considered. Besides the possibility of pandemic influenza in the United States, national security professionals consistently view public health as a security issue in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2009 a National Health Security Strategy was released that outlined ten objectives, including working with global partners to enhance national, continental, and global health security. On the one hand, the key to health security lies in domestic policy to ensure there are adequate vaccine stocks, trained health professionals, and educational campaigns to promote personal hygiene. The World Health Organization is the directing and coordinating body for public health issues within the UN system, and thus the truly global health organization. WHO produces annual reports on global public health and has the authority to declare pandemics. As this chapter demonstrates, disease seldom discriminates; it impacts both rich and poor societies.
