Commissioner Spotlight: William J. Fallon
August 28, 2009
What is the relationship between the U.S. military and global health? During Admiral William Fallon’s dynamic career in the military, he saw the definition of security transform from an issue involving clearly demarcated national boundaries and state actors to an understanding that encompasses the health and well-being of individuals and their communities. Admiral Fallon considers addressing the outbreak of bird flu in South East Asia and responding to humanitarian emergencies from Eastern Africa to South Asia as some of his greatest military achievements.
The 26-member commission is working to guide the path for the nation's global health policy.
"Because of the linkage between stability, security, and economic activity, health has a big impact and it's really in our interest to address these things, aside from the fact that--above and beyond--it's the right thing to do."
Fallon's experience in national security and his vision for the future uniquely suit him to advance the Commission's goals. And, given potential opportunities to advance U.S. global health policy during the Obama Administration, Fallon believes that the Commission will be successful.
The Commission is an opportunity, says Fallon, to achieve "a better state of global health, [keep] more people alive...and in the process, [make] us a better world.
