EpidemicsThat Didn'tHappen

In a series of flagship reports and standalone case studies, Resolve to Save Lives highlights the inspiring stories of outbreaks that were stopped in their tracks through swift and effective action.

In 2020, a single outbreak of deadly infectious disease travelled around the world, changing life as we know it. But every year, there are many near misses—outbreaks that are successfully controlled before they become epidemics.

These Epidemics That Didn’t Happen show how the trajectory of an epidemic can be fundamentally altered when a country invests in and prioritizes preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks and readiness to act when they strike. Through this investment and prioritization, we can save millions of lives and trillions of dollars and avert global tragedy in the years to come.

Latest Case Studies

Measles in the United States

After losing measles elimination status for the first time in a quarter century, a handful of health departments are beating the trend.

An early warning system in the Caribbean stops outbreaks before they start

During the Cricket World Cup, the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s new surveillance system protected residents, visitors and health systems.

How Uganda improved its Ebola response in just three years

Three years after a devastating Ebola outbreak claimed 55 lives, Uganda contained an outbreak with four deaths using the 7-1-7 target. 

How Thailand contained cross-border cholera

A cross-border collaboration successfully contained a cholera outbreak that began near the Thailand-Myanmar border. Using 7-1-7, applying lessons from an earlier E. coli outbreak and leveraging an existing coordination mechanism minimized the damage: Only 10 cross-border cases were identified, and no deaths occurred.

How South Sudan stopped a cholera outbreak with no reported deaths

We partnered with South Sudan’s Ministry of Health to stop a cholera outbreak in what officials called “the fastest we’ve ever been able to deploy a team.”

How Gabon stopped an mpox outbreak with no reported deaths 

In the middle of a public health emergency across the Africa region, Gabon’s public health officials quickly stopped an mpox outbreak, achieving the 7-1-7 target with two confirmed cases and no reported deaths.

Flagship reports

2026
A fish seller at a market balancing a large metal tub of fish on her head

2024
Health workers collecting samples during a September 2021 outbreak of Nipah in India

2022

2021

Do you know of an epidemic that didn't happen?

If so, we’d love to highlight your story. Please reach out to
[email protected]