Global health security has never been more critical to the well-being of the United States and its citizens than it is right now—diseases spread faster than ever before, new pathogens are emerging, and antibiotic resistance is on the rise. The Office of Pandemics and Emerging Threats (PET) within OGA engages with other U.S. government agencies, foreign governments, and multilateral organizations to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats whether natural, accidental, or deliberate in origin.
Pandemic Influenza
Pandemic influenza—the flu—remains an unpredictable yet constant threat. With today’s ease of trade and travel, novel strains of the flu can quickly develop into pandemics. Having established pandemic preparedness plans and systems in place is a critical part of global health security.
Antimicrobial Resistance
The Assistant Secretary of Global Affairs is designated by the Secretary for Health and Human Services’ to lead international engagement on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). As part of the effort, OGA and PET work closely with international partners, including the G7, G20, and GHSA to support implementation of the WHO Global Action Plan on AMR. The Assistant Secretary also co-chairs the Transatlantic Taskforce on Antimicrobial Resistance (TATFAR), along with the Director of the European Commission Public Health Directorate.
Global Health Security Agenda
The Office of Pandemics and Emerging Threats (PET) leads OGA’s engagement in the Global Health Security Agenda by directly working with GHSA member countries, coordinating policy and strategy across the U.S. government, and supporting GHSA implementation.
