PATH applauds reintroduction of Global Health Security Act in U.S. Congress
Media contact: Kate Davidson | PATH | media@path.org
Washington, D.C., April 10, 2019 — PATH applauds the bipartisan reintroduction of the Global Health Security Act in the U.S. Congress by Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Steve Chabot (R-OH). The legislation aims to reaffirm U.S. government commitments to global health security that were made in the wake of the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola crisis. As a leading funder and technical expert in the management of infectious disease outbreaks, the U.S. government plays a vital leadership role in today’s volatile world of more frequent and severe outbreaks.
The Global Health Security Act would cement into law changes made through an Executive Order written in the wake of the Ebola crisis. It would also designate a permanent official to coordinate U.S. agencies for prevention and response. The legislation is supported by Representatives Ami Bera (D-CA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Ann Wagner (R-MO).
PATH President and CEO Steve Davis said, “Ebola was a wake-up call for all of us. The U.S. government took some smart steps in the wake of this devastating epidemic to address a long-neglected underinvestment in epidemic preparedness and response. This bill translates those steps into policy, while enabling Congressional oversight. We urge Congress to move swiftly to pass this legislation.”
Davis sits on the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Commission on Strengthening America’s Health Security, which aims to chart a bold vision for the future of U.S. leadership in global health security at home and abroad. PATH partners with the U.S. government to strengthen laboratory and disease surveillance systems in countries around the world to help detect, prevent, and respond to outbreaks.
Learn more about PATH’s advocacy and public policy work here: https://www.path.org/advocacy-policy/.
About PATH
PATH is a global organization that works to accelerate health equity by bringing together public institutions, businesses, social enterprises, and investors to solve the world’s most pressing health challenges. With expertise in science, health, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales solutions—including vaccines, drugs, devices, diagnostics, and innovative approaches to strengthening health systems worldwide. Learn more at http://www.path.org/.
