What Is Missing in Global Health Engagement? Engagement After the Engagement!

Department of Defense (DoD) Global Health Engagement (GHE) operations, activities, and investments are endorsed by the DoD to foster international cooperation and preparedness with allied and partner nations. These engagements include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and medical training exercises that align with broader defense strategies. However, the current DoD approach to GHE lacks structured follow-up to sustain clinician-to-clinician relationships after GHE activities, undermining long-term impact. The experience of a U.S. military dermatologist with Brazilian Navy medical officers during a health mission along the Amazon River highlights the missed opportunity for continued professional engagement. Although initial interactions were successful, there was no formal structure to maintain contact or foster sustained collaboration. The absence of follow-up protocols limits the potential to build trust, share information, and maintain interoperability, which are essential to accomplishing DoD strategic objectives. Leveraging existing telemedicine support technology could provide secure communication platforms, ensuring that relationships developed during GHEs continue to evolve. To sustain post-GHE engagement, tactical and technical structures should be integrated within broader operational and strategic frameworks. Planning must include a comprehensive approach to post-engagement interaction, leveraging DoD and DHA technology to maintain influence and enhance medical interoperability. These steps will transform GHE from isolated events into continuous partnerships that enhance international readiness, foster long-term relationships, and support global health security objectives. With these strategies, GHE can become a more effective force multiplier, maximizing their value in strengthening global healthcare systems and achieving U.S. national security goals.