Develops Military Health System (MHS) policies on providing health-related humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and DoD integration within the wider interagency and international medical response effort.

IHD further advises DoD’s regional Combatant Commanders, through the Joint Staff, on new tools and guidance to effectively carry out global medical and training missions in the field. The division also researches and analyzes regional health needs, lessons learned and best practices from the field to refine MHS policies and approaches in HA/DR.

DoD’s HA/DR programs are managed by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency through the Combatant Commands. The goals of the programs are congressionally mandated and funded through the Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid (OHDACA) Appropriation. Projects typically involve the reconstruction of medical facilities and schools, transportation, well digging, improvement of sanitary facilities, displaced persons operations, and training host-nation personnel in a variety of areas like emergency response.