In today’s interconnected world, US investments abroad have a direct correlation to our national, economic, and global health security. Foreign assistance isn’t about charity; it’s a clear return on investment, and one of the clearest expressions of American values in action.
For just a fraction of the federal budget, it pays off here at home. Here’s how:
Supporting American businesses
Over the past 15 years, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis has helped save 70 million lives from three of the world’s deadliest diseases. The Global Fund has also procured more than $3.5 billion in goods and services from US companies – a win-win! Some of these procurements include:
- Nearly $9 million from Caire in Ball Ground, Georgia, for their game-changing innovations in complex medical equipment.
- More than $40 million from Indianaoplis-based Roche for their game-changing innovations in diagnostics, personal protective equipment, medical devices, and more.
- Over $156 million from Disease Control Technologies in Greer, South Carolina, for their innovations in vector control products, which are critical to preventing the spread of vector-borne diseases.
Return on investment
The Global Fund benefits the US in more ways than one. Every $1 invested by the private sector in the fight against these diseases results in $19 in health gains and economic returns globally. Similarly, with every $1 invested in global immunization efforts, the return on investment is estimated to be $54 in broader societal benefits.
Protecting everyone’s health
As we learned from COVID-19, diseases don’t respect borders. So investments in health systems abroad are investments in American’s health and well-being. By investing in live-saving programs like the Global Fund, Gavi, and President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) we’re saving lives abroad and stopping the spread of deadly diseases before they reach our borders. When we strengthen health systems overseas — tracking new viruses, training medical workers, and improving vaccine delivery — there are fewer global health emergencies, less economic disruption, and more security for American families.
It has broad bipartisan support
ONE recently commissioned a poll of 7,000 Americans, and a majority of both Republicans and Democrats support US funding to treat and eliminate HIV/AIDS and investments that reduce the risk of international outbreaks.
