In today’s interconnected world, a disease can spread from a remote village to a major metropolitan area anywhere in the world in as little as 36 hours. The most effective way to prevent pandemics is to identify outbreaks early and stop them before they spread.
FHI 360 partners with Ministries of Health to strengthen health systems so countries can bring proven best practices and the latest innovations to prevent, detect and respond to emerging infectious diseases and potential pandemics.
FHI 360 has been instrumental in outbreak preparedness and response for several pandemic threats, including mpox, COVID-19, new influenza strains like the avian flu and H1N1, mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever and Zika virus, and hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola virus disease, Rift Valley fever and Marburg virus disease.
Our expertise in global health security
Our work improves people’s access to health services, the quality of those services and the ability of health systems to respond to challenges.
Prevention
Many of the strategies used to prevent outbreaks of epidemic-prone diseases and drug-resistant infections mirror what we use to keep ourselves safe from any disease. At FHI 360, we work with our partners to promote handwashing, infection prevention and control measures in health care settings and the appropriate use of antibiotics.
Detection
Without early detection and containment, the risk of outbreaks spreading grows. High-quality clinical laboratory services are needed to identify and confirm suspected outbreaks and ensure diagnostic accuracy and safety. We provide training to staff, ensure safe transportation of samples, select reliable suppliers of testing reagents and recommend appropriate storage solutions.
Response
Responding promptly to a known or novel threat requires all hands on deck. That is why FHI 360 partners locally to build foundations of strong healthcare service provision, support risk communications and emergency management, and provide logistics and surge support, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Global health security and infectious disease outbreaks: “It’s not a matter of if, but when.”
