U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) works to enhance the health and well-being of Americans by providing essential health services and advancing medical research. A critical part of its mission is to ensure health security, particularly through preparedness for emerging infectious diseases, rapid medical countermeasures development, and effective pandemic response.

Key HHS agencies supporting these goals include the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which funds and accelerates countermeasure development; the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which leads research on infectious diseases; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which monitors and responds to public health threats. Together, these organizations form the backbone of national preparedness and resilience.