Global Health Council Calls for Increased U.S. Investment in Global Health and International Development Programs

February 10, 2020

Washington, DC (February 10, 2020) – The Trump Administration released its proposed budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 earlier today, which contains a 22% decrease in the international affairs budget, including a 34% cut to global health programs at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Department of State. Cuts were also proposed for programs that support global health research and security at the Department of Health and Human Services, and its Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These proposed cuts will drastically undermine the leadership role the United States plays in global health, decrease the likelihood of progress at the country level, and limits our capacity to fight pandemics today or tomorrow.

“The Trump Administration continues to jeopardize the long-term effects that U.S. investments in foreign assistance and global health programs have on millions of lives around the world,” stated Loyce Pace, President and Executive Director of Global Health Council. “Global health programs that fight HIV/AIDS, malaria, and polio; improve maternal and child health; and strengthen global responses to disease outbreaks such as Zika, Ebola, or the more recent novel coronavirus, bolstered by U.S. investments in food security, education, and WASH, help build stronger, more self-reliant communities. We must continue to adequately support these programs or risk the lives of people around the world.”

During President Trump’s State of the Union Address, he highlighted the need for global health programming by mentioning the dangers of the novel coronavirus and improving maternal and child health by providing funds for neonatal research. Yet, funding for global health programs, including global health security initiatives, remains low. These objectives will not be achieved in a vacuum. Robust support for global health programs is critical as the administration continues its focus on countries’ journey to self reliance.

As it has previously, Global Health Council calls on Congress to reject the President’s budget as presented and further urges the continued funding of global health and international development programs across federal government accounts. Maintaining these critical accounts ultimately strengthens U.S. leadership around the world and fosters a safer, more prosperous America.

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About Global Health Council

Established in 1972, Global Health Council (GHC) is the leading membership organization supporting and connecting advocates, implementers, and stakeholders around global health priorities worldwide. GHC represents the collaborative voice of the community on key issues; we convene stakeholders around key priorities and actively engage with decision makers to influence global health policy. Learn more at www.globalhealth.org. Global Health Council published “A Guide to U.S. Investments in Global Health: Transforming Communities Worldwide,” comprehensive consensus recommendations available at www.ghbb.globalhealth.org.

Media Contacts

Heyab Ogbasion, Manager, External Engagement – hogbasion@globalhealth.org