ISID is committed to improving the care of patients with infectious diseases, the training of clinicians and researchers in infectious diseases and microbiology, and the control of infectious diseases around the world.  The Society recognizes that infectious diseases cross all national and regional boundaries and that effective long-term solutions require international scientific exchange and cooperation.  The Society and its members are dedicated to developing partnerships and to finding solutions to the problem of infectious diseases across the globe.

The goals of ISID are to:

• Increase the knowledge base of infectious diseases through research and enhance the professional development of individuals in this discipline
• Extend and transfer technical expertise in infectious diseases and microbiology
• Create and foster partnerships for the control and cost-effective management of infectious diseases around the world

ISID was created in 1986 by a merger between the International Congress on Infectious Diseases (ICID) and The International Federation on Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (IFIPD).

The ICID had been established in 1983 as a scientific assembly for the exchange of research and clinical information in infectious diseases open to any interested individual.  An ad-hoc Executive Committee for the ICID initiated discussions with the IFIPD that culminated in the 1986 merger of these two organizations.  The 1st ICID organized by the newly created Society was held in Rio de Janeiro in 1988.

The Society is composed of individual members from over 155 countries around the world.  Since its inception, ISID has been dedicated to improving the care of patients with infectious diseases, the professional development and standing of clinicians and scientists in the field, and the control of infectious diseases around the world. The Society is governed by a Council, which is elected by the membership.  The Council is organized according to geographic regions to ensure representation from all the areas of the world.  The membership, upon the recommendation of the Council, also approves the composition of the Executive Committee and its officers.  The Executive Committee of the Society is charged with overall responsibility of the Society's activities.  The Executive Committee appoints an Executive Director who is charged with the day-to-day responsibility for all Society business.