Secretary Clinton Discusses the Global Health Initiative
Secretary Clinton discussed the Administration’s Global Health Initiative (GHI) yesterday at the School for Advanced International Studies, calling it a “new approach” and promising greater efficiency and results. Calling attention to the successes and shortcomings of U.S. global health investments in previous years, Secretary Clinton promised a new approach in the $63 billion GHI that will build on existing programs and create lasting change. In her speech, Secretary Clinton made the case for global health investments and articulated areas for growth. She explained that global health has everything to do with foreign policy: from strengthening weak and fragile states and building the foundation from which societies can grow, to increasing U.S. national security, carrying out public diplomacy, and demonstrating American values. Secretary Clinton applauded global health progress, but noted the need for more comprehensive, integrated care so that a woman treated for HIV does not die in childbirth, or a child immunized against polio has access to clean water and therefore does not die of a diarrheal disease. The GHI will work closely with country governments to strengthen their commitments to health and create the necessary capacity, infrastructure, regulations, and other policies that will help them take responsibility for the health of their citizens.
