Global Health as a Bridge to Security
November 1, 2012
Our understanding of global health and its relationship to national security, and the well-being of the wider global community has grown and evolved over time. It is now widely accepted that nations with healthy populations are more likely to be productive, prosperous, and peaceful. This matters to the United States because peaceful nations generally make good neighbors. Conversely, poor health indicators are usually a sign that something is not right in a society. Nations with high numbers of unhealthy citizens are likely to be poor, badly governed, weak, and prone to instability or even conflict.
For these reasons, health and security are no longer separate domains for policymakers. They interact with each other. Military leaders who once viewed the world through a narrow security lens have become accustomed to building health plans and programs into their decisionmaking. Health professionals appreciate that their engagement can help enhance the security and the well-being of the communities with whom they interact.
This report explores the nexus between health and security by collecting personal stories of a selection of our nation's leading military and global health professionals.
Read the Report
Report edited by Richard Downie, Deputy Director and Fellow, Africa Program
Watch the Video
Video created by Julia Nagel, Digital Media Manager, Global Health Policy Center
Watch Video from the Event
Admiral William Fallon, U.S. Navy (retired), delivered the keynote address. A roundtable discussion with Admiral Fallon, Rear Admiral Thomas Cullison, U.S. Navy (retired), Ambassador Cameron Hume, and Dr. Ellen Embrey on the top priority agenda items for future military engagement overseas in public health followed.
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- Podcast: Interview with LTG James B. Peake, MD, USA (ret.) on the Army & Navy Overseas Medical Research Laboratories
- Video: The Future of the DoD Overseas Medical Research Laboratories
