Strengthening Global Preparedness: NETEC Hosts Japan Institute for Health Security Delegation

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In June 2025, the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) was honored to host a visiting delegation from the Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS) across its three consortium sites—University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, and Emory University. The multi-state visit marked an important milestone in a growing partnership rooted in shared priorities: high-consequence infectious disease preparedness, clinical innovation, and international collaboration.

These visits underscored the shared understanding that global health security depends on strategic, sustained cooperation across borders—and across systems of care.

A Strategic Partnership for Preparedness

Established in April 2025 as Japan’s new national agency for health security, JIHS brings together Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) and National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM) under the country’s new Disease Control and Prevention Center. The visiting delegation was led by Dr. Yukimasa Matsuzawa of the Global Outbreak Intelligence, Capacity Building and Deployment Coordination Center (GIC), who was joined by JIHS colleagues Dr. Norio Ohmagari, Director, Department of Infectious Disease Clinical Policy, and Dr. Hiromi Hibino, Chief of Office, Department of Planning and Coordination.

JIHS plays a central role in bolstering Japan’s capacity to detect, respond to, and manage infectious disease threats. Their visit to the United States highlighted a growing international collaboration with NETEC and three of the Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs), each with deep expertise in biocontainment, special pathogens, and national readiness efforts.

At each site, JIHS formalized or reaffirmed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to support long-term knowledge exchange, capacity building, and joint initiatives. The MOUs reinforce what leaders from both countries agree is essential: a proactive and unified approach to infectious disease preparedness.

Visit Highlights

University of Nebraska Medical Center (Omaha, Region 7 RESPTC)

The delegation began its U.S. visit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), which serves as NETEC’s Region 7 RESPTC. This visit marked the reaffirmation of a longstanding partnership first established in 2015, following the Ebola outbreak. Since then, UNMC and Japanese health leaders have collaborated through training programs, knowledge exchange, and site visits.

In a ceremony overlooking the Wigton Heritage Center, UNMC Interim Chancellor Dr. H. Dele Davies and JIHS Director Dr. Ohmagari signed an updated MOU, expanding their joint commitment to research, training, and operational coordination. Senior leaders including Drs. James Lawler, Chris Kratochvil, and Angela Hewlett joined the ceremony, reflecting the depth of UNMC’s international engagement.

Japan has modeled aspects of its high-level isolation and infectious disease care after the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit, which continues to serve as a gold standard globally. The visit also highlighted UNMC’s leadership through the Global Center for Health Security and NETEC’s ongoing national training and response efforts.

Their collaboration continues to shape preparedness strategies on both sides of the Pacific. As Dr. Davies noted during the ceremony, “This partnership stands as a model of what international collaboration must look like: proactive, strategic and sustained.” Dr. Ohmagari echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of continued collaboration in preparing for the next generation of health threats.

Read the official press release from UNMC.

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue (New York City, Region 2 RESPTC)

The second stop of the U.S. visit brought the JIHS delegation to NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, the nation’s oldest public hospital and home to the Region 2 RESPTC. The visit highlighted the depth of Bellevue’s Special Pathogens Program and its legacy of clinical leadership in managing infectious disease outbreaks, including Ebola and mpox.

The visit included the signing of a strategic MOU, formalizing a shared commitment to clinical innovation, operational readiness, and the exchange of best practices between the U.S. and Japan.

Delegates toured Bellevue’s Special Pathogens Unit and engaged in discussions about the hospital’s role in the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS), its pediatric care capabilities, and its unique experience managing high-profile infectious disease events. As part of the visit, the delegation met with Bellevue leadership and Region 2 partners to explore strategies for strengthening future preparedness efforts.

Bellevue’s leadership emphasized the importance of international partnerships in public health emergencies. “This collaboration between Bellevue Hospital and the Japan Institute for Health Security represents another crucial step in our ability to address emerging health threats around the world,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Wei.

“We look forward to this high-level international collaboration between Bellevue and top infectious disease leaders at JIHS. This global partnership enables us to expand the expertise we have developed over the last decade, and enhances our almost 300-year history of treating infectious diseases.”

Read the official press release from NYC Health + Hospitals.

Emory University (Atlanta, Region 4 RESPTC)

The final stop of the U.S. visit took place at Emory University in Atlanta, where delegates were welcomed by leaders from Emory’s Serious Communicable Diseases Unit (SCDU) and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). Together, Emory and CHOA serve as one of the Region 4 RESPTCs, providing comprehensive adult and pediatric capabilities for high-level isolation and infectious disease response.

The visit began with opening remarks by Dr. Carlos del Rio, Distinguished Professor of Medicine in Emory’s Division of Infectious Diseases. He spoke about how the success of Emory’s SCDU stems not only from its technical capabilities but also from the culture cultivated among its team.

According to Dr. del Rio, the unit functions more like a family than a traditional workplace—grounded in trust, mutual support, and shared purpose. This strong internal culture, he emphasized, is what sustains the team during high-stress situations and ultimately defines the effectiveness of the unit.

Presentations highlighted Emory’s leadership in special pathogens care, NETEC’s national coordination role, and Region 4’s outreach, training, and response efforts—including work supported by the CDC and the NSPS.

Emory Healthcare CEO Dr. Joon Lee participated in the ceremonial signing of an MOU with Dr. Ohmagari, reinforcing mutual commitment to collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and global health security.

Delegates then toured the adult SCDU and CHOA’s Special Care Unit, gaining firsthand insight into Region 4’s capabilities for both adult and pediatric high-level isolation.

Looking Ahead

NETEC is proud to serve as a national and global convener for best practices, clinical readiness, and research in special pathogen preparedness. Our growing partnership with the JIHS is a testament to the power of shared knowledge and shared responsibility. As the world faces increasing infectious disease threats, partnerships like this one will remain essential to building resilient, prepared health systems.