The U.S. Global Health Initiative: Overview & Budget Analysis

In April 2010, the Foundation issued a policy brief examining key issues affecting the U.S. Global Health Initiative (GHI). This policy brief and chartpack provide a detailed breakdown of the U.S. budget for the global health programs in President Obama’s GHI, announced in May 2009. In addition, the regularly updated Budget Tracker provides the current status of key global health accounts throughout the budget and appropriations process.

The GHI, proposed as a six-year effort, would for the first time develop a comprehensive, U.S. government-wide strategy for global health focused on the health challenges and needs of those in low- and middle-income countries. The initiative builds on the Bush Administration’s efforts to address HIV, TB, and malaria through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) but also broadens and augments the focus on other global health challenges, particularly maternal and child health, family planning and reproductive health, and neglected tropical diseases. The effort currently encompasses most, but not all, of the federal government’s investment in global health.

The brief provides an overview of the projected budget for the GHI, including the $8.6 billion proposed by the Administration in its pending fiscal year 2010 request and the $8.4 billion approved in fiscal year 2009. It examines the different U.S. programs that would fall under the GHI over time, tracking data back to fiscal year 2001. The supplemental chartpack includes additional breakouts and budget trends over time.

Policy Brief (.pdf)

Chartpack (.pdf)