Dr. Michael Osterholm, an expert on global infectious disease threats and biosecurity, visited Vietnam on May 27-31. He was selected by the U.S. Department of State as one of five 2018 U.S. Science Envoys. Dr. Osterholm is a Professor at the University of Minnesota, Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, and a frequent advisor to the U.S. Government and the World Health Organization on issues of biosecurity, pandemic threats, and antimicrobial resistance. While in Vietnam, he visited government ministries, regional institutes, and UN and private sector partners. His visit was supported by the Department of State, USAID, and CDC. His meetings and discussions focused on Vietnam’s capacity to address national and global health security issues, especially from a One Health perspective, with attention to vaccines, control of vector borne diseases, and citizen science and community participation. “One Health” provides a coordinated approach to counter emerging infectious disease threats at the interface of animal, human and environment health.

So What? This perspective from an independent expert on global infectious diseases validates efforts of U.S. agencies in Vietnam to address global health security, and further advocates for continued efforts among global partners.