_.jpg)
Global Health Security
Protecting People, Systems and Futures
Health security is no longer a distant concern — it defines whether nations can safeguard lives and livelihoods when crises strike. From pandemics to climate-driven outbreaks, communities across Africa and the Global South face mounting risks that strain already fragile systems. SGHI works to ensure that every country we support can prevent, detect, and respond to health threats swiftly and sustainably.
What we Do
Building Resilient Systems That Withstand Crisis
SGHI helps governments and communities strengthen the foundations of preparedness — surveillance, laboratories, financing, and rapid response capacity — so that outbreaks never become disasters. We focus on country-owned, locally led systems that link technology, policy, and people.
The Challenge
A World of Frequent Emergencies, Unequal Readiness
Across the Global South, health emergencies occur with alarming regularity, yet resources and readiness remain uneven.
01
A Relentless Burden of Outbreaks
-
Africa experiences over 100 health emergencies each year, from cholera and measles to Ebola and COVID-19.
-
Kenya alone recorded 30+ public-health alerts in 2024, including cholera, Rift Valley fever, dengue, and anthrax outbreaks.
-
Fewer than 40% of countries worldwide meet the International Health Regulations (IHR) core capacities for preparedness.
02
Fragile Systems and Delayed Detection
-
In many LMICs, only one in four districts has real-time disease surveillance. In Kenya, reporting delays can exceed two weeks between first case and confirmation.
-
Laboratory coverage gaps mean fewer than 50% of county hospitals in Kenya can test for priority pathogens locally, delaying containment.
-
Weak supply chains and inconsistent data systems further hinder early action.
03
Chronic Under-Financing of Preparedness
-
WHO estimates a US $4 billion annual gap in preparedness funding across Africa — about US $3 per person.
-
Kenya allocates under 0.5% of its health budget to epidemic preparedness and response, leaving counties dependent on ad-hoc donor support.
-
When crises hit, emergency funds arrive late or unpredictably, undermining trust and coordination.
04
Rising Climate and Zoonotic Risks
-
Climate-driven floods, droughts, and heat waves are increasing vector- and water-borne diseases.
-
Over 60% of new human infections originate from animals. East Africa’s porous borders and vibrant livestock trade heighten zoonotic risk.
-
Kenya’s 2023 cholera resurgence and cross-border Rift Valley fever outbreaks illustrate the cost of ignoring the One Health link between humans, animals, and the environment.
05
The Equity and Capability Gap
-
During COVID-19, less than 1% of Africa’s diagnostic output came from domestic manufacturing.
-
Fewer than 20 African countries have functional public-health emergency operations centers (EOCs).
-
Global mechanisms often overlook local capacity — meaning countries respond last, despite being hit first.
Why It Matters
Health security is economic security. The World Bank estimates that each major epidemic costs Africa 1–2% of GDP annually. Investing early saves lives and billions in lost productivity. Prepared systems protect not just health, but stability, education, and progress.
Our Approach
SGHI’s model for global health security is grounded in integration, innovation, and inclusion — linking data systems, frontline workers, and policymakers under one resilient framework.
Preparedness Planning and Policy Support
-
Co-design and update National Action Plans for Health Security (NAPHS) with Ministries of Health and Disaster Management.
-
Embed epidemic preparedness into national and county development plans to secure sustainable financing.
Surveillance and Early Warning Systems
-
Strengthen digital and community-based surveillance using mobile reporting tools integrated with national dashboards.
-
Train frontline health workers in Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) for faster detection and escalation.
Laboratory and Diagnostic Networks
-
Expand access to district-level laboratories and accelerate sample transport systems.
-
Support regional reference labs for priority diseases and promote local diagnostic manufacturing partnerships.
Rapid Response and Emergency Operations
-
Establish and equip Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) for coordination, analytics, and logistics.
-
Build multidisciplinary Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) trained in outbreak investigation, infection control, and communication.
Community Resilience and Risk Communication
-
Engage local leaders and volunteers to deliver clear, trusted health messages and counter misinformation.
-
Promote One Health approaches, integrating veterinary and environmental surveillance to prevent zoonoses.
Digital Infrastructure for Health Security
-
Leverage Kenya’s Digital Superhighway and DPI for Health to link surveillance, lab, and financing data in real time.
-
Use predictive analytics for hotspot mapping and resource allocation.
Together, these measures move countries from reactive crisis management to proactive, data-driven prevention.
Our Impact
From Crisis Response to Systemic Resilience
SGHI’s programs and partnerships are already transforming preparedness in East Africa.
Every outbreak prevented protects lives and livelihoods — proving that investment in preparedness is the most cost-effective health intervention.
Get Involved
Join Us in Building a Safer Future
Health threats know no borders — and neither should our response. SGHI invites governments, partners, and citizens to collaborate in creating resilient systems across the Global South.
For Partners and Funders
Co-invest in digital surveillance, laboratory capacity, and community preparedness programs that build long-term national resilience.
For Governments and Practitioners
Engage with SGHI’s policy and training platforms to strengthen national preparedness plans, emergency financing, and regional coordination.
For Researchers and Innovators
Partner with SGHI to pilot AI-driven prediction tools, diagnostics, and One Health analytics adaptable to low-resource settings.
For Everyone
Share accurate information, champion science-based action, and support initiatives that make your community safer.
Together, we can ensure that the next health emergency finds Africa — and the Global South — ready, not vulnerable.