WHO and CDC work in close partnership to help control outbreaks that involve diseases of unknown cause, diseases with high fatality rates, and diseases that are likely to spread across borders:

• As an international entity, WHO is a critical partner in opening doors to U.S. scientists, facilitating U.S. participation in international efforts to identify new threats and contain potential pandemics. WHO also plays a special role in international press management, encouraging nations to share outbreak information while helping to minimize false rumors that cause damage to the trade and tourism industries of affected countries.

• CDC provides WHO with technical guidance, including diagnostic and epidemiologic support. Because WHO does not maintain laboratory resources of its own, it relies upon an international network of Collaborating Centres that includes more than 30 diagnostic laboratories located at CDC (Appendix D).

At the present time, WHO is strengthening its ability to facilitate international outbreak response efforts, as well as to support global health initiatives that address infectious diseases (see Box 6). As part of this effort, WHO is establishing a Global Alert and Response Network to promote prompt reporting of disease outbreaks and help coordinate offers of outbreak assistance—e.g., supplies, consultation, or on-site support—from public and private sector partners.