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May 2011

GHTC event highlights the US role in promoting science and innovation for global health

May 5, 2011 -- “We stand on the cusp of science and technology breakthroughs” that can “usher in a new decade of global health gains,” Alex Dehgan, the science and technology advisor at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), said at a recent event hosted by the Global Health Technologies Coalition (GHTC). The event—titled “Sparking innovation to save lives: How the US can advance global health through new technologies”—highlighted the need for and role of new global health products such as vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, and microbicides. The event also marked the release of the GHTC’s second annual policy report, which includes recommendations for US policymakers to accelerate scientific innovations and streamline the approval of health tools to save more lives around the world.

During the event, a high-level panel discussed recent advances in global health research and key policy issues most critical to meet the future needs of the developing world. Kerri-Ann Jones, assistant secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, served as the keynote speaker. In addition to Dehgan, former US Representative Mike Castle and Elizabeth Bukusi, chief research officer and deputy director at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), were panelists.

The United States has a long history in supporting medical innovations that have led to breakthroughs in global health, including the development and delivery of lifesaving tools such as vaccines for polio and smallpox and new research for HIV prevention gels, Dehgan said. In addition to the fact that global health research saves lives, Jones stressed that the United States should support medical innovation for national security. Infectious diseases “know no bounds,” Jones said, adding that by helping to secure a healthier world, the United States is preventing disease within its borders.

Castle told the audience that because of this long history of public health successes, medical research has many bipartisan champions in Congress. “I do feel if there is an area of a little more unification than most, it's in support of public health and medical research. People understand that keeping people well is pretty good politics." According to Castle, medical research has garnered bipartisan support in Congress for another key reason: It helps to create US jobs and boost economic activity.

Speakers also stressed the importance of partnerships to advancing research for new health tools. According to Jones, it is critical to involve all players—including the government, nonprofit organizations, civil society and the private sector—in global health research and product development. "The issues of global health are not addressed in isolation. The solutions can only be found in global partnership," she said. "Our approach to health diplomacy is to be engaged with ministries of health, science, education, and others in government, but also to involve partners through the public and private sector that look for solutions and new approaches."

Finally, Bukusi told the audience that based on her experience in Kenya, advances in global health research unquestionably means more lives are saved. Through the development and delivery of new health tools such as microbicide gels to prevent HIV infection, innovation and science “can have an impact” and “gives us hope,” Bukusi said. She added that she is also invested in training younger researchers in Kenya, so that the researchers she trains will help others. “As one person, there are a limited number of people I can reach.” Through scientific training and medical capacity building, “drops of water can become a very mighty ocean.”

Overall, the event demonstrated that the United States is making a difference in the health of people at home and abroad by supporting science and research, as well as the US agencies conducting this critical work. “We need tools to help us fight disease no matter where it is,” Dehgan said. See the links below for more information.

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