New report demonstrates USAID’s leadership in global health research

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) recently released a report to Congress describing its ongoing commitment to global health science, research, and innovation. The report stems from the agency's five-year health research strategy, which was launched in 2006. As part of this strategy, USAID has produced annual reports to Congress, outlining progress in the development and introduction of affordable global health tools, policies, and practices. The latest report to Congress is the final annual update on the results of USAID's 2006–2010 health research strategy.

USAID's 2010 report clearly demonstrates the agency's leadership in global health research and innovation. For example, in July 2010, evidence from field trials showed that an experimental microbicide gel could provide women with safe and effective protection against HIV. These trial results represent a major landmark in the battle against HIV/AIDS and efforts to develop female-controlled health tools. The US Government, through USAID, provided the financial support that made this trial possible.

The microbicide trial is not the only example of the impact USAID-supported research can have in turning the tide against some the world’s most pressing global health challenges. For example:

• In the last year, USAID-supported studies have provided proofs-of-concept that vaccines can be effective against both the blood and liver stages of malaria parasites.
• USAID supported the research for a new tuberculosis diagnostic test and procedural guidelines that promise to increase case detection, decrease wait time, and reduce costs for patients and laboratories.
• USAID supported a clinical trial to test the effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of a contraceptive vaginal ring, a female-controlled hormonal method that lasts for up to 12 months.

As these and other research milestones demonstrate, USAID continues to have a tremendous impact on public health around the world. Developing this first five-year research strategy and producing annual progress reports is a crucial step toward ensuring that USAID's significant contributions to global health research are documented and transparent. It is critical that Congress request USAID develop a second five-year health research strategy and produce annual progress reports so that this valuable effort continues well into the future.

Additional resources:

USAID's 2010 health research strategy report (1.3 MB PDF)

USAID slideshow "Global Health Is a Global Good: Building on Major Advancements in 2011"