Public Health as a Strategic Component of National Resilience

By Indira V.

Traditionally, national security has been associated with protecting borders, maintaining strong military forces, and building diplomatic alliances. Yet, the recent challenges have reshaped how nations understand what it means to be secure.
Issues such as climate-related disasters, food insecurity, and pandemics have revealed that threats to safety often arise from within societies themselves. These challenges can destabilize economies and weaken trust in institutions.
A broader understanding of security means recognizing that resilience must extend beyond soldiers and weapons. The well-being of citizens is increasingly central to a nation's ability to withstand shocks. Without these, even the strongest military cannot guarantee long-term security.

Public Health as a Strategic Imperative

Many pandemics and epidemics since the 20th century have changed how nations view security.
For instance, the influenza pandemic of 1918–19, nicknamed Spanish Flu, was among the most devastating pandemics in human history. As noted in a Britannica article, it was caused by an influenza virus called influenza type A subtype H1N1. The pandemic reportedly caused around 40–50 million deaths.
Similarly, the global experience of COVID-19 provided a vivid lesson. Public health crises can rival traditional security threats in their ability to destabilize entire countries. Hospitals overwhelmed by patients, disrupted global supply chains, and deep economic contractions showed that health is inseparable from stability.
According to an NCBI article, these pandemics typically begin suddenly and often persist indefinitely. Although the start of the pandemic is well-established, it remains unclear when it will end or if it has actually ended. In fact, most pandemic influenza virus strains that are known today have some association with the 1918 virus.
A resilient nation must therefore treat healthcare systems as part of its strategic defense. Investments in infrastructure, medical technology, and workforce training help sustain the functioning of the economy and governance structures during times of crisis.

The Link Between Environmental and Public Health

The connection between environmental conditions and public health is often underestimated until crises force it into the spotlight. Industrial emissions, unsafe waste management, and exposure to hazardous chemicals can have long-term effects on communities.
Consider the example of growing wildfire hazards. As NASA notes, Earth's increasing warmth is leading to an increase in wildfire instances. In fact, it has more than doubled over 21 years. Human activities are the primary cause behind this.
Georgia faced such a wildfire in March 2025. According to FOX5 Atlanta, the Georgia Forestry Commission said that around 2,390 acres were burned across the state in a single day.
The same goes for industrial emissions, too. One of the examples can be seen in the use of ethylene oxide by Sterigenics in Atlanta to sterilize medical equipment.
According to TorHoerman Law, ethylene oxide exposure is linked to increased cancer risks. Many people have said that it caused the development of leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, etc. They have also filed lawsuits against the company and asked for compensation for their suffering.
Someone who developed cancer due to exposure while employed there can seek help from an attorney to file a Sterigenics lawsuit in Atlanta.
These health burdens do not remain isolated at the local level. They ripple outward, straining healthcare systems and diminishing the overall resilience of a nation.

Health Security and Economic Productivity

A healthy population is the foundation of a productive economy. Widespread illness or chronic health issues reduce workforce participation, increase healthcare costs, and slow economic growth.
Nations with robust public health systems often experience higher levels of productivity and innovation, as their citizens can contribute fully to economic life. Conversely, weak systems create vulnerabilities that can ripple across industries, from agriculture to manufacturing.
This economic dimension makes public health a matter of competitiveness in the global arena. Countries that protect their populations against preventable diseases and environmental risks are better positioned to attract investment and maintain social stability.
Even the World Economic Forum states that redefining health is the key to boosting an economy. Human health is closely tied to human functioning. Everything from physical and mental illness to injury and disability can impact a country's productivity and GDP.
A Springer Open study examined the impact of health investment on productivity growth in sub-Saharan Africa. It was found that there is a positive relationship between health investments and productivity growth in the upper-middle-income group. Positive effects on productivity growth were seen across all age groups.

Global Cooperation and Shared Challenges

Public health is not confined to borders. Infectious diseases, air pollution, and environmental degradation often spread across regions, making international cooperation essential.
Global organizations and treaties provide platforms for data sharing, coordinated responses, and funding for capacity building. Nations that neglect collaboration risk isolating themselves and facing amplified consequences during global health emergencies.
At the same time, global health initiatives are increasingly tied to diplomacy. Offering medical assistance, sharing vaccines, or providing technological support can strengthen alliances and enhance a country's reputation on the world stage.
Another dimension of cooperation lies in harmonizing environmental and health regulations. Pollutants released in one country can drift across borders or enter shared waterways, creating collective risks.
Coordinated standards for emissions, chemical use, and waste management not only reduce these threats but also prevent industrial actors from exploiting weaker regulatory environments. In this sense, international collaboration is both a public health necessity and a safeguard against competitive imbalances in the global economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does climate change influence national resilience through public health?
Climate change intensifies public health risks by increasing the frequency of heatwaves, spreading vector-borne diseases, and reducing food and water security. These issues compound pressure on healthcare systems, reduce productivity, and undermine stability. When governments integrate climate adaptation into health planning, they not only protect populations but also strengthen national resilience.
What role does education play in building public health resilience?
Education shapes how communities respond to health risks. Populations that understand disease prevention, nutrition, and hygiene are better equipped to reduce strain on medical systems during crises. Beyond individual benefits, widespread health literacy supports collective action, builds trust in institutions, and empowers citizens to demand accountability from governments and industries.
Why is mental health an important part of national resilience?
Mental health is often overlooked in security discussions, yet it directly affects workforce performance, social cohesion, and public trust. Crises such as pandemics or environmental disasters can lead to widespread anxiety, depression, and trauma. Addressing mental health through accessible care and early interventions ensures societies recover faster and sustain long-term stability.
Resilience is often described as the ability to bounce back after a crisis. However, in the context of national security, it also involves anticipating threats and preparing for them before they materialize.
Public health lies at the center of this effort. A society that invests in its healthcare systems, regulates environmental risks, and insists on corporate accountability creates a strong foundation for long-term stability. When public health is integrated into national strategy, it becomes clear that security is also about protecting a nation's internal capacity to function appropriately.

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