Global Health Security Threats: The Military Civilian Health Security Summit Tackles Multilateral and Multisectoral Approaches

The Military Civilian Health Security Summit (MCHSS) was hosted in Sydney on June 16-17 by the Australian Defence Force, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Representatives from 23 Indo-Pacific partner nations, international organizations, NGOs, and academics gathered to enhance coordination and collaboration between military and civilian groups in preventing, detecting, and responding to health security threats.

The summit, established in 2018, serves as a platform for a united commitment to tackling health security issues through a multilateral and multisectoral approach. Participants from countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, the United States, and the African Partner Outbreak Response Alliance shared insights and strengthened regional readiness in addressing global health security challenges.

During this year’s event, discussions revolved around global health security at different levels, including the roles of defense and humanitarian groups in armed conflict, preparedness planning