Office of Global Affairs

The Office of Global Affairs (OGA), formally the Secretary's Office of Global Affairs, is an office within the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It serves as the department's primary diplomatic voice and lead for global health matters.

The office provides leadership and expertise in global health diplomacy, the intersection of public health and foreign affairs, to advance U.S. priorities, foster international partnerships, coordinate global health policy and initiatives across HHS and the broader U.S. government, and contribute to a safer, healthier world while protecting Americans at home and abroad.[1][2]

OGA advances the President's agenda through transparent and common-sense approaches to global partnerships, strengthens the U.S. position as the global standard for public health, and coordinates international engagement with foreign governments, multilateral organizations, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

OGA coordinates HHS's international activities, including policy development, partnerships, and engagement on issues like pandemic preparedness, health security, and global health threats. It leads on global health diplomacy, supports U.S. positions in international forums, and ensures that international efforts enhance domestic health preparedness and systems.

The office has regional components (e.g., offices for Africa & Middle East, The Americas, Asia & the Pacific, Europe & Eurasia) and handles multilateral relations.[3]

In relation to the International Health Regulations (IHR) and other frameworks, OGA contributes to U.S. government approaches on global health security and communications with bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO), often in coordination with components such as the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR).

Leadership

The current head of OGA is Bethany Kozma, Director of the Secretary's Office for Global Affairs.[4] Earlier leadership included Loyce Pace, who served as Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs starting in March 2021 under the Biden administration.[5][6]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Office of Global Affairs (OGA)". U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ^ "About OGA". U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ^ "Office of Global Affairs Organizational Chart". U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ^ "About OGA". U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ^ "Loyce Pace". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ^ Lambert, Jonathan (2025-12-19). "America's new top health diplomat has strong opinions on abortion and gender". NPR. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
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