The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services jointly announced the first round of “GHI Plus” countries under the U.S. Global Health Initiative (GHI). GHI is described as “a six-year, $63 billion initiative to help partner countries improve measurable health outcomes by strengthening health systems and building upon proven results. It places a particular focus on improving the health of women, newborns and children.” GHI includes programs addressing HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, maternal and child health, nutrition, family planning and reproductive health, and neglected tropical diseases.
GHI activities are being implemented in the more than 80 countries where U.S. government global health dollars are already at work. Under GHI, the U.S. government “will coordinate with partner country governments to ensure that investments align with national priorities and build capacity. Eight countries have been selected as the first set of “GHI Plus” countries: Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nepal, and Rwanda. These countries “will receive additional technical and management resources to quickly implement GHI’s approach, including integrated programs and investments across the spectrum of infectious diseases, maternal and child health, family planning, and health systems activities. GHI Plus countries will provide enhanced opportunities to build upon existing public health programs; improve program performance; and work in close collaboration with partner governments, across U.S. government agencies, and with global partners.” Through GHI, the U.S. government said it is pursuing a comprehensive “whole-of-government” approach to global health and health assistance. More at: www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/.
vaccines and global health :: ethics and policy 