Global Health Security Index Finds Gaps in Preparedness for Epidemics and Pandemics
The inaugural GHS Index finds severe weaknesses in countries' abilities to prevent, detect, and respond to significant disease outbreaks. The average overall 2019 GHS Index score is slightly over 40 out of a possible score of 100. Among the 60 highest-income countries assessed, the average score is 51.9.
Jennifer Nuzzo, associate professor at the Bloomberg School and senior scholar at the Center for Health Security, said the GHS Index, developed with guidance from an International Panel of Experts from 13 countries, can be used by health ministers and international organizations, philanthropists and funders, academics and researchers. "The GHS Index finds that no country is fully prepared for naturally occurring, intentional, or accidental infectious disease outbreaks," Nuzzo said. "Knowing that there is work to do, countries can use the index to identify gaps, build preparedness and best practices, and track progress over time."