Dear Colleagues,

I am writing because NTI is launching a new video today aimed at protecting America’s commitment to global health security.  The video explains the importance of U.S. programs and partnerships with other countries to stop outbreaks at the source and advocates for ensuring a strong global health security investment at CDC ($208.2 million/year) and USAID ($172.5 million/year), as well as the continuation of DoD and State biosecurity-related efforts that also advance global health security.

Click on the Image above to view the video or Click Here

The United States has been a leader in global health security--and our investments have protected national and international peace, security, and biodefense.  Unfortunately, we are facing a major funding cliff for CDC and USAID global health security programming, which put the progress we’ve made at risk.

As many of you know, in response to the devastating Ebola crisis of 2014, the United States Congress allocated over $900 million in supplemental funding to support the GHSA for five years.  This funding helps countries prepare for and address biological threats—which means they can stop outbreaks at the source.  This critical funding runs out at the end of Fiscal Year 2019.  Without vital renewed funding, the CDC has planned to downsize epidemic prevention activities in 39 out of 49 countries—effectively placing at risk up to 80% of our global health security efforts abroad.   

This funding is not only critical for public health, it is an irreplaceable component of our nation’s extended biodefense. It also boosts the U.S. economy.  The next global infectious disease outbreak could harm the U.S. export economy and threaten U.S. jobs—even if the disease never reaches our shores.  A reduction in these U.S. investments also risks our ability to leverage private sector resources and donors from other countries that have begun their own investments, building on the scaffolding that the U.S. created.

What can you do?

If you are able, please Urge Congress to Act Now to provide sustained funding for global biodefense: $208.2 million a year at the CDC and $172.5 million a year at USAID. 

Please also share the video on your social media accounts.  Forward this email to your networks.  And use our social media kit to spread this call to action.

Thank you for your continued leadership and support to advance global health security!

Best wishes,
Beth