Global Center for Health Security

- Our Expertise Overview
- Why Nebraska?
  Nebraska’s difference is an all-star, all-volunteer team that dedicated itself to being ready for any biocontainment crisis at any time.
- Leadership
  The Global Center is led by experts in biopreparedness and high-consequence infections research, education and clinical care.
- Scholars
  Our scholars represent the pinnacle of health security expertise and are integral to advancing the mission of the GCHS in the domains of clinical care, operational response, research and development, and training in health security, and emergency response. GCHS scholars play a critical role by contributing to strategic priorities, shaping initiatives, and advancing the GCHS’s global leadership.
- Affiliates
  Our affiliates are innovative experts collaborating to advance global health security.
- C-STARS
  C-STARS, the Center for Sustainment of Trauma Readiness Skills- Omaha is a collaboration between UNMC, Nebraska Medicine, and the Air Force Research Laboratory’s School of Aerospace Medicine. C-STARS Omaha works closely with UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security, iEXCEL, and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit to take advantage of the medical center’s capabilities and expertise in biopreparedness training and research.
- Our Team
  Our team consists of a variety of professionals providing support and project management to further the Global Center for Health Security’s mission.
- Domains Overview
- Clinical Operations
  The Global Center for Health Security is the premier U.S. institution for management of high-consequence infections. Further, our clinical capabilities include biological, chemical, burn, and radiation domains.
- Education & Training
  Our expertise is now sought worldwide and officially sanctioned by the U.S. government. The GCHS is the home base to the national Training, Simulation, and Quarantine Center and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit.
- Research
  The GCHS has laser-focused existing work by our leading scientists in fields like chemical weapons, drug discovery and public health.
- International Partnerships & Innovation
  The GCHS tackles the most pressing problems in emerging infectious diseases through international partnerships and innovation.
- Programs Overview
- Core Capabilities
  Learn about the GCHS’ 4 core capabilities: Emerging Pathogens Lab , Nebraska Biocontainment Unit , the National Quarantine Unit, and deployable teams.
- Core Programs
  The GCHS works with multiple core programs to enhance our capabilities to respond effectively to public health challenges.
- Partnerships
  The GCHS partners with many outside organizations to strengthen our commitment to addressing global health challenges through research and innovation.
- Associated Groups & Programs
  Learn more about the impactful programs led by GCHS leadership, scholar, and affiliates.
- Academic Programs
  Explore GCHS academic programs which include the Health Security Fellowship and the Biological Defense and Health Security program.
- Health Emergencies Overview
- Outbreaks to Watch
  Find information about emerging pathogens, diseases and outbreaks from around the world. Stay updated on the most recent information on worldwide global health and emerging pathogens outbreaks.
- Measles
  The GCHS is currently monitoring measles cases. This page provides information, resources, and news.
- Emerging Respiratory Infections
  Explore current respiratory infections such as Influenza, Whopping Cough, RSV and more.
- H5 Avian Influenza
  Learn more about the current worldwide H5 Avian Influenza outbreak and explore resources, news, webinars, and our unofficial map.
- Mpox
  The Global Center for Health Security is currently monitoring the spread of mpox. Learn more by viewing our resources.
- COVID-19
  Explore our COVID-19 page for recent news, resources, manuals, and playbooks. Biweekly overviews of new data and developments presented by James V. Lawler, MD, MPH, FIDSA can now be found on the Health Emergencies page.
The Transmission
- News Overview
- Events
  Explore GCHS and partner upcoming events and training opportunities.
- Annual Reports
  Explore our annual reports.
- Videos
  Explore our videos.

Health Emergencies

Health Emergencies

The Global Center for Health Security is the premier U.S. institution for management of high-consequence infections.

This page provides insights into current health emergencies and outbreaks to watch, and features biweekly infectious disease briefings by James Lawler, MD, PhD, FIDSA. Scroll down to learn more about our current health emergencies and to view Dr. Lawler's recordings.

HMPV Virus

Outbreaks To Watch

Measles Virus

Measles

Lung with viruses

Emerging Respiratory Diseases

H5N1 Virus

H5 Avian Influenza

Mpox Virus

Mpox

COVID-19 Virus

COVID-19

Region 7 Infectious Disease Briefings

UNMC’s GCHS, in collaboration with the Region VII Disaster Health Response Ecosystem (R7DHRE) conducts biweekly meetings with local and state public health and healthcare representatives. These meetings focus on reviewing and discussing recent developments related to current infectious disease challenges. Dr. James V. Lawler, MD, MPH, FIDSA, presents comprehensive updates on data and advancements at local, state, national, and international levels. Additionally, regional experts offer insights into current outbreaks and clinical situations within Region 7.

Recorded updates are accessible for further information. Watch the recordings below.

Register for the Region 7 Infectious Disease Briefings.

2025 Region 7 Infectious Disease Briefings

2025 Region 7 Infectious Disease Briefings
Date	Subject
3/10/26	Current diseases in the US their status (H5N1, Measles, Influenza, COVID-19) Research about the effects of COVID-19 on the immune system & COVID-19 in heart disease patients. Watch this week's briefing.
2/24/26	Measles, H5N1, COVID-19, News of the Week Watch this week's briefing.
2/10/26	H5N1, Measles, & COVID-19, and Nipah Virus Updates Watch this week's briefing.
1/27/26	Meales Update (presented by Sydney Stein, DVM, MPH) Watch this week's briefing.
1/13/26	Updates on Marburg Virus Disease, H5N1, Measles, Influenza, COVID-19, and Child Vaccinations Watch this week's briefing.