NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Former White House senior director for global health security and biodefense Dr. Raj Panjabi has announced the release of his first book, SAFER: A Playbook—Turning Fear Into Action and Crisis Into Community. The book will be published by HarperOne Books and is scheduled for release on Oct. 13.
Panjabi describes the book as a practical guide for navigating fear, uncertainty, and mistrust. Drawing from his experiences in public health emergencies, government leadership,p and community health work, he offers lessons on how people can respond to crises with resilience and connection. The upcoming release adds a new chapter to Panjabi’s career as a physician, entrepreneur, and global health leader.
According to Panjabi, SAFER explores why some individuals and communities emerge stronger after difficult events while others struggle to recover. The book argues that safety does not come from certainty alone. Instead, it grows through trust, relationships, and collective action.
“SAFER began as a question that I couldn’t stop asking: Why do some people and communities come through crisis stronger, while others come apart?” Panjabi said in a statement announcing the book.
He said his research and personal experiences revealed that strong communities play a critical role during challenging times.“What I found — in the science and in the stories — surprised me. Safety doesn’t come from certainty. It comes from community and from the courage to reach toward each other instead of pulling away,” he said.
Panjabi draws on decades of experience in public health and national security. He has worked in emergency rooms, epidemic response efforts, and senior government positions. During the Biden administration, Panjabi served as the top pandemic and health official at the National Security Council. As White House senior director for global health security and biodefense, he helped coordinate responses to major public health threats.
His work included efforts to strengthen pandemic preparedness and improve international cooperation on health security. The book also reflects lessons from his involvement in responses to COVID-19, Ebola, malaria, and other public health crises.
Panjabi said he observed a common pattern among people who successfully managed uncertainty. Whether in hospitals, boardrooms, or the White House Situation Room, they relied on proven playbooks to make decisions and move forward during difficult circumstances.
A major theme of SAFER is the importance of community trust. Panjabi argues that strong social connections help people overcome fear and adapt to rapidly changing situations. The book offers practical strategies for individuals, families, and organizations. It focuses on turning fear into productive action rather than allowing uncertainty to create division.
Panjabi believes that communities become stronger when people support one another during difficult moments. Through stories and research, he explains how collaboration can improve resilience and long-term recovery. The book is designed for a broad audience. Readers do not need a background in medicine, public health, or government to understand its message.
Panjabi is widely known for his contributions to global health. He co-founded Last Mile Health, an organization that uses technology and community health workers to expand access to medical care in remote areas. The organization has worked to improve health services in underserved communities around the world.
Today, Panjabi serves as a board member of Co-Impact, a global philanthropic collaborative that supports large-scale social change initiatives. His leadership has earned international recognition. TIME has named him among the world’s 100 most influential people and one of the 50 most influential figures in health care.
