Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Albio Sires introduced H.R. 1515, the 21st Century Global Health Technology Act, to encourage the development of health products that are affordable, culturally appropriate, and easy to use in low-resource health systems. This bill will codify a program at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) that funds this type of research.
“Each year, millions of people in the developing world die of infectious diseases, malnutrition, and complications of pregnancy and childbirth. The 21st Century Global Health Technology Act supports a long-term program to develop much needed health technologies such as safe injection devices, rapid diagnostics for diseases, technologies for safe delivery, and other innovative health solutions,” said Congressman Sires.
Through USAID, the federal government is addressing the need for global health technologies by facilitating public-private partnerships to develop affordable and appropriate health technologies. The present Health Tech program has facilitated the development of 85 technologies in partnership with more than 100 private-sector collaborators who have matched federal dollars at least two to one. These collaborations expand research and development, help grow the economy and lead to job creation. To encourage and support USAID’s current efforts, the 21st Century Global Health Technology Act would codify the existing Health Tech program, and support a comprehensive, smart and deficit-neutral approach to research for new global health technologies at USAID.
“I am proud to support this legislation, which will help effectively address health needs around the world, in a fiscally responsible manner that supports skilled jobs for American workers,” said Sires.
– Mantra Roy