It recognizes service in support of Global Health Initiatives.

The PHS Global Health Initiative Service Medal is awarded to officers who support Global Health Initiatives both within ("CONUS") and outside ("OCONUS") the contiguous United States.

[2][3] The Surgeon General of the United States determines which Global Health Initiatives and missions qualify for the award.

[2] To be eligible for the award, an officer must support a qualifying Global Health Initiative assignment for at least 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days while on a temporary or permanent assignment after 26 January 2005.

[2] An officer may receive only one award of the Global Health Initiative Service Medal for participation in the same Global Health Initiative or mission.