Intelligence And Public Health Threats

The acquisition, processing, and analysis of data about threats against public health have long been recognized as significant areas of work of intelligence operations aimed at protecting national security. Across modern states, public health has been securitized, with health facilities designated as critical infrastructure vital to national security. The organization of medical intelligence activities, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, has attracted the interest of experts representing a wide array of scientific disciplines. This paper attempts to highlight certain challenges inherent in establishing an intelligence community tasked with providing timely and relevant information regarding health threats, while also countering the dissemination of misinformation and alarming reports within the realm of public health.