Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division-AFHSD

05/18/2026

We are thrilled to share the incredible work that AFHSD’s Global Emerging Infections Surveillance team coordinated during the African Lion 26 event. This effort targets one of AFHSD’s goals to provide early warning capability of global health threats to military commanders in the field. Read more about our impact!

AGADIR, Morocco — A coalition of U.S. military and research organizations deliver integrated biosurveillance support, strengthening commanders’ situatio...

05/05/2026

Whether you are active duty, a veteran, or a family member, taking a minute to stay informed helps keep our entire community mission-ready and healthy. Watch the short video below to get the latest insights straight from the Military Health System! 👇

05/01/2026

18.6 miles. 25-lb rucksack. Strict time limits. ⏱️

AFHSD team members U.S. Army Maj. Hunter Smith and Capt. Mark Gutierrez completed the Norwegian Foot March (also known as the Marsjmerket, a ruck marching endurance event) at Joint Base Andrews on April 4, 2026. This tradition blends leadership character with elite physical fitness.

High-endurance events like this provide motivational and challenging opportunities that ensure warfighters stay healthy, resilient, and mission-ready. It also aligns with DoW’s new workplace wellness program.

04/28/2026

Good reminder. Safely dispose of unused or expired medications. 💊 Learn how and find a location near you: www.tricare.mil/drugtakeback

Spring is in full swing. If you’re getting ready to tackle spring cleaning, don’t forget about your medicine cabinet! 💊

If you have unused or expired medications at home, protect your family, your community, and the environment by disposing of them safely. Learn how and find a location near you: www.tricare.mil/drugtakeback

04/17/2026

It was a productive week in Accra, Ghana!

AFHSD’s Deputy Chief, U.S. Navy Capt. Carlos Williams (fourth from left) joined members of the Global Emerging Infections Surveillance Branch for a site visit. The visit was led by the GEIS Branch Chief, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Brett Swierczewski (far right), as the team met with leadership from the Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) EURAFCENT from March 23-27.

This collaboration helps to address global health challenges and protects our service members across U.S. European Command (USEUCOM), U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), and U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM).

04/10/2026

Public Health Week is reminder that strong communities start with strong data. Health surveillance plays a critical role in keeping us safe, tracking trends, identifying risks early, and guiding decisions that protect our families, service members and communities.

03/26/2026

Members from the Global Emerging Infections Surveillance (GEIS) Branch recently visited the Naval Health Research Center Naval Health Research Center in San Diego from February 24–26, 2026. Strengthening partnerships to advance global health security!

03/19/2026

Attention DoW Laboratory, Operational and Public Health Experts! 📢 The Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division - Global Emerging Infections Surveillance Branch is now accepting proposals for our annual funding opportunity to support Force Health Protection through global infectious disease surveillance. Help us maintain battlespace awareness and stay ahead of the next emerging infectious disease threat! Submit proposals by May 8, 2026.

Learn more about strategic guidance and submission instructions on the GEIS CarePoint page or contact the GEIS Program Office at [email protected].

03/13/2026

Innovation alert! 📣 U.S. Army Maj. Christan Stager from our Global Emerging Infections Surveillance (GEIS) Branch presented at the DHIS2 Symposium!

Maj. Stager detailed our groundbreaking collaboration with BAO Systems to use DHIS2 for wastewater-based biosurveillance. This is a game-changer, marking the DoD's first use of DHIS2 and the first known use for wastewater surveillance.

This pioneering effort will rapidly improve data collection and analysis, directly supporting force health protection decision-making for our Geographic Combatant Commands. We’re proud to be at the forefront of protecting our warfighters!

03/11/2026

Health surveillance plays a vital role in protecting the force. Check out this Defense Health Agency video to see how our military partners' efforts help strengthen readiness and protect the well-being of service members.