U.S. support for global health and international development programs has over many decades led to healthier communities around the world.
This is more than just treating diseases — it is training frontline health workers, including lab technicians and pharmacists, funding new vaccines, technologies or other innovations, and building resilient, sustainable health systems that provide equitable access to quality care.
Read More from President & Executive Director – Loyce Pace, MPH
2021 Briefing Book
Global Health Council and the global health advocacy community present the 2021 Global Health Briefing Book as a resource for well-informed decision-making on issues involving U.S. engagement in global health.
Hover over the images below to read the briefs:
A Review of Congressional Action on Global Health
For this index, GHC has considered select recommendations from the Global Health Briefing Book published for the 116th Congress in 2019. In some cases, the recommendations are taken directly from the briefing book. In others, new recommendations were written to encompass several issues in one. This index does not serve as an in-depth analysis of all global health issues before Congress, but it does serve as an important snapshot of congressional progress on GHC priorities.
RECOMMENDATION: Maintain appropriate funding levels for all global health accounts, so that new global health objectives can be achieved and previous gains are maintained.
RATING:Yellow
ANALYSIS: Congress has historically supported global health funding, but the current need far outweighs present levels of funding.
RECOMMENDATION: Support global health security programs at USAID and CDC that strengthen vulnerable health systems. Support continued U.S. engagement in the Global Health Security Agenda through the Department of State to ensure that meaningful action, political will and financing strategies fill in existing gaps in health security by advancing national and international action plans through coordinated actions with multilateral entities.
RATING:Green
ANALYSIS: Many members have introduced bipartisan legislation supporting global health security, including bills that outline financing mechanisms to fill existing gaps.
RECOMMENDATION: Support permanent legislative repeal of the expanded Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance, also known as the Mexico City Policy.
RATING:Yellow
ANALYSIS: Legislation to repeal this rule permanently was introduced in both chambers but made no progress.
RECOMMENDATION: Maintain strong bipartisan support for global programs that address HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and neglected tropical diseases.
RATING:GREEN
ANALYSIS: A number of bills were introduced in the 116th Congress to express support for these areas and the End Neglected Tropical Diseases Act was signed into law.
RECOMMENDATION: Support the scaling up of proven interventions that address maternal and child mortality, improve nutrition and increase access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
RATING:Green
ANALYSIS: The International Water and Sanitation Caucus was established in the House of Representatives and both chambers introduced legislation that includes language supportive of WASH.
RECOMMENDATION: Sustain and – where possible – increase funding for global health research and product development.
RATING:Yellow
ANALYSIS: R&D received bipartisan support in legislation particularly in the reauthorization of BARDA.
RECOMMENDATION: Ensure high-level representation at global forums when health-related matters are addressed, such as the World Health Assembly and the United Nations General Assembly. Oppose efforts to defund or undermine the work of multilateral organizations.
RATING:Yellow
ANALYSIS: Members have expressed support for multilateral organizations, including the WHO, through legislation, Dear Colleague letters, statements and resolutions.