This Global Health Security Index report outlines the findings from the first comprehensive assessment and benchmarking of health security and capabilities across 195 countries. The report summarises the results of the first Global Health Security Index, including overall findings about the state of national health security capacity and additional findings specific to functional areas of epidemic and pandemic preparedness.

Biological threats—natural, intentional, or accidental—in any country can pose risks to global health, international security, and the worldwide economy. Because infectious diseases know no borders, all countries must prioritize and exercise the capabilities required to prevent, detect, and rapidly respond to public health emergencies. Every country also must be transparent about its capabilities to assure neighbors it can stop an outbreak from becoming an international catastrophe. In turn, global leaders and international organizations bear a collective responsibility for developing and maintaining robust global capability to counter infectious disease threats.