Global Health

For over half a century, global health programming has saved lives.

U.S. investments in global health programming have a long and successful track record of saving lives, protecting people from emerging diseases, strengthening local health systems, and advancing the stability of communities around the world.

As the COVID-19 pandemic made clear, emerging diseases that know no borders can have devastating human and economic consequences around the globe. Investing in strong and resilient global health systems is vital to upholding our commitment to protect vulnerable communities abroad and supporting Americans’ health and economic well-being at home.

The shocks to health systems are not limited to pandemics. The impacts of climate change are already being felt in the health sector as clean air, safe drinking water, and food supplies are disrupted. Climate change impacts are expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050. Communities with weak health infrastructure are most at risk.

Fortunately, global health programming works to mitigate these risks and reduce vulnerability. By assisting in reducing maternal and child mortality, addressing health emergencies, slowing the spread of infectious illnesses, and more, U.S. global health investments save lives, transform communities, and advance health equity. Health interventions also pay dividends in supporting democratic participation and can be used to promote good governance. Investments through lifesaving programs at the Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, and Department of Defense support a healthier and more prosperous world.

Focusing on three strategic priorities—preventing maternal and child death, controlling the AIDS/HIV epidemic, and combating infectious diseases—American foreign assistance has helped millions of women and children access essential health services, trained hundreds of thousands of healthcare workers, and responded to thousands of viruses before mass outbreaks occur. Continued U.S. investment in global health is needed to build on these achievements and accelerate progress toward ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all.

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