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Global Disease Detection Program: Where We Work

A central focus of the Global Disease Detection program is establishing and developing international centers that help countries prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats. Since the start of the program in 2004, GDD has extended its support to over 50 countries through 10 centers located in all WHO regions. Centers work directly with ministries of health to support outbreak response, laboratory systems and pathogen discovery, training, surveillance, and networking. GDD’s country presence and partnerships help countries build core capacities in support of the International Health Regulations.

Global Disease Detection Center Locations

About Our Locations

GDD Center locations are selected in consultation with invited countries, internal experts, WHO, and national and international partners. Location selection is based on:

  • Public health significance: The country has a high population density or history of infectious diseases or expected potential for emerging diseases;
  • Country commitment: The country supports and values partnership with CDC and will actively engage in collaborative activities and identify new partners;
  • Established CDC presence: The country has an established, effective working relationship with CDC and supports CDC staff in-country;
  • Established regional reach: The country has the infrastructure and regional stature to serve as regional resource, or is already acting as a regional leader in other arenas;
  • International partner presence: The country has other U.S. Government agencies and international partners operating in-country.

Global Health Security and GDD Centers

  • The US is partnering with over 31 countries through the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) to achieve a world safe from infectious disease threats.
  • Six GDD Centers (Bangladesh, Kenya, Thailand, India, Georgia, and Kazakhstan) are located in countries that have been named as GHSA partner countries.
  • Centers inform and drive GHSA progress, having demonstrated national and regional success in building capacity in the following areas: emerging infectious disease detection and response; workforce development; laboratory systems; preparedness and communication; addressing the animal and human interface responsible for zoonotic infections; and conducting public health research.
  • All GDD Centers are committed to supporting and advancing the International Health Regulations.

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