highland breaker: Briefing: 'New Report -- US Budget Cuts Jeopardize Recent Scientific Gains in Global Health'

Briefing: 'New Report -- US Budget Cuts Jeopardize Recent Scientific Gains in Global Health'

Public release date: 19-Feb-2013
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Contact: Katy Lenard
klenard@burnesscommunications.com
301-280-5719
Burness Communications

A new report warns that potential cuts to US global health and research programs that battle diseases like AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria could threaten countless lives and put at risk the ripening fruits of past investments in innovations crucial to fighting these diseases. The report will be released at a Capitol Hill briefing on Tuesday.

US investments in global health research have helped deliver some of the greatest advances the field has ever seenincluding a vaccine for meningitis A, a rapid test for detecting tuberculosis, and the world's first malaria drug for children. These advances are already making a significant dent in the burden of disease around the world. Additional investments are nurturing research and development for new tools to fight HIV, maternal health complications, dengue fever, and African sleeping sickness, among others.

But the report, which is being released by a coalition of more than 25 leading global health, nonprofit organizations that work on vaccines, drugs and other tools and technologies, asserts that continued and consistent US investment in research and development will be needed to provide the momentum necessary to push these promising tools over the finish line.

During this Capitol Hill event, a high-level panel of experts will speak about the role of research, science, and the creation of new health products in meeting US global health and development objectives, as well as the key policy issues critical to maintaining recent scientific momentum to save lives around the world.

WHO:
Dr. Caroline Ryan, Director of Technical Leadership, Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, Department of State, PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief)
Dr. Alan Magill, Director of Malaria, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Lisa Cohen, Executive Director, Washington Global Health Alliance (moderator)
WHEN: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 from NOON to 1:30 p.m.
Kennedy Caucus Room (SR 325), Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC

RSVP: For more information or to attend in person, contact Katy Lenard.

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About the Global Health Technologies Coalition
The Global Health Technologies Coalition (GHTC) is a group of more than 25 nonprofit organizations working to increase awareness of the urgent need for technologies that save lives in the developing world. These tools include new vaccines, drugs, microbicides, diagnostics, and other products. The coalition advocates for increased and effective use of public resources, incentives to encourage private sector investment, and streamlined regulatory processes. The GHTC is housed at PATH and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Briefing: 'New Report -- US Budget Cuts Jeopardize Recent Scientific Gains in Global Health' Public release date: 19-Feb-2013
[ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Katy Lenard
klenard@burnesscommunications.com
301-280-5719
Burness Communications