Sparking innovation to save lives: How the US can advance global health through new technologies

Join the GHTC for its second annual Congressional briefing

Date: Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Kennedy Caucus Room (SR 325), Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC

On May 3, 2011, the Global Health Technologies Coalition (GHTC) will host its second annual Congressional briefing to highlight the need for and role of new health products for diseases affecting people around the world.

Over the past year, the world witnessed remarkable breakthroughs and innovations in global health. A new meningitis vaccine, costing less than 50 cents per dose, was launched in West Africa and promises to prevent disability and death from the disease. Recent advancements in women’s health, including a microbicide to prevent HIV infection, have the potential to save millions of lives. The United States has played a key role in these and many other global health breakthroughs. This event will highlight the role of research, science, and innovation in meeting US global health and development objectives.      

The event—titled “Sparking innovation to save lives: How the US can advance global health through new technologies"—will be held on May 3 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. It will include a high-level panel to examine key policy issues most critical in meeting the future needs of the developing world.

Keynote speaker

Kerri-Ann Jones, PhD
Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs

Panelists

Elizabeth Bukusi, MBChB, MMed, MPH, PhD
Chief Research Office and Deputy Director (Research and Training) at the Kenya Medical Research Institute

Michael Castle, JD
Former US Representative from Delaware

Alex Dehgan, PhD, MSc, JD
Science and Technology Advisor at USAID

Moderator

Yasmin Halima, MPH
Director, Global Campaign for Microbicides

In addition, the event will showcase critical new tools under development to prevent, diagnose, and treat global health diseases. Several GHTC member organizations working in global health research and development will display their work. 

The GHTC will also launch its second annual report on global health innovation at the briefing. The report provides recommendations for US policymakers, calling for the acceleration of scientific innovations and streamlining the approval of safe and affordable inventions in order to save more lives around the world.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Megan Miller at info@ghtcoalition.org or 202.822.0033.