U.S. forces such as the 2001 outbreak of Crimean 

threats.  Fortunately, though, the DoD GEIS program

Congo hemorrhagic fever in Kosovo.  DoD GEIS

had been organized and resourced such that it could

funding supported four laboratories that hold presti 

respond to this emergency in a uniquely capable

gious positions as WHO Collaborating Centers.

manner.  Specifically, within ten days of the attacks,

These are NAMRU 2, NAMRU 3, USAMRIID,

the ESSENCE program was scaled up to encompass

and the Division of Experimental Therapeutics at

more than 300 DoD medical treatment facilities

WRAIR.  The DoD GEIS supported NHRC

around the world.  It now constitutes the largest and

Respiratory Disease Laboratory has applied to

most automated syndromic surveillance system for

become a collaborating center and other DoD GEIS

bioterrorism in the world.  An increase in DoD GEIS

partners are in the process of doing so. 

resources this fiscal year made many other interna 

tional contributions possible.  Diverse nations continue

 8. Expand United States agency missions and

to enter into DoD GEIS collaborations in the best

mandates in order to ensure that responsible

spirit of international cooperation.  Old partnerships

agencies are provided with the authority, emergency

have been strengthened and new ones continue to

procurement powers, and resources to respond to

bloom in such areas as Central and Southeast Asia.

worldwide disease outbreaks that have the potential

The universal value placed on public health has

to adversely affect the United States. 

served as a focal point where previously there was

little collaboration.  DoD GEIS has continued to

The events of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent

support its federal partners in moving the issue of

anthrax episodes highlighted the way in which public

emerging infections beyond the health agenda into

health can be affected by previously underappreciated

economic and global security forums. 

DoD GEIS has been a regular supporter of the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation)

strategy as President Bush is strongly committed to the global fight against infectious diseases.

With U.S. leadership, APEC has developed over the past year a strategy that identifies how it

can help combat infectious diseases throughout the region. APEC Leaders endorsed this strate 

gy in October 2001, and called for its immediate implementation. Its key goals are (1) improv 

ing surveillance and monitoring of disease, (2) boosting national capacity to respond to out 

breaks, and (3) training of health authorities.

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