Global Health Leaders Discuss Global Health Innovation

in Blog
March 5th, 2012

After the release of the Obama Administration’s budget for 2013 and the resulting cuts from several global health programs, global health leaders met at a congressional briefing to discuss the importance of global health innovation and the United States’ consequent role.

Directors from key organizations, such as the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, the Global Health Initiative and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, all spoke about how America’s role in global health research and funding produced real results, lasting impacts and continue to drive innovation. Examples such as the CDC’s role in improving diagnostics by expanding HIV testing and the development of new drugs, vaccines and other diagnostics funded by the U.S. government were highlighted to further illustrate the importance of U.S. support.

In addition, the Global Health Technologies Coalition (GHTC) has released a report in which these issues are further discussed and recommendations to policy makers to continue sponsoring research and funding have also been included. Some of these recommendations include engaging other governments to explore incentives and funding opportunities and to include research and development in key policies.

The report concludes with the following resounding statement:

“Even in these constrained budgetary times, U.S. policymakers cannot lose sight of the ultimate goal – saving lives with new drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, and other health products.”

To see the report in full, you can visit the GHTC website.

By: Imaly Nanayakkara