At a glance
CDC works to minimize the risks associated with the spread of infectious diseases among mobile populations and the communities they visit before, during and after travel, including across international borders. To support the goal of limiting the geographic spread of infectious diseases, especially across international borders, CDC works with partner countries to help them strengthen their systems and workforce capacities to detect health threats among people and animals who are on the move.
Why border health matters
Global travel and trade allow health threats to spread rapidly to all parts of the world if not stopped. This means that a health threat anywhere is a health threat everywhere.
Targeted investments overseas are more cost-effective than responding to health threats imported into the United States.
What CDC is doing
CDC possesses a unique combination of mandate, technical expertise, and operational experience to support countries in strengthening their border health systems. Strong border health systems require up-to-date plans and procedures, well-trained and equipped staff, and the legal authorities (laws, regulations, and policies) to implement travel measures affecting the movement of people or goods for public health purposes. CDC helps countries develop border health strategies that focus on strengthening public health systems and workforce capacities primarily in the following areas:
- Public health preparedness and response capacities at official points of entry,
- Analysis of population movement patterns and the strength of connectivity between geographically separated communities to identify any associated health risks, and
- Collaboration and routine public health information sharing between neighboring countries and across a region.