Kaiser Global Health Initiative Program Funding Report

The Kaiser Family Foundation released a report evaluating funding allocation of the Global Health Initiative (GHI) - the Obama Administration's six-year effort aimed at improving the health and lives of people in the developing world --  for the 2010 fiscal year. The report featured an analysis of six programs focused on HIV/AIDS; TB; malaria; maternal, newborn and child health; family planning and reproductive health; and nutrition.

The Foundation’s report found the United States funded support of $5.7 billion to more than 73 countries, with at least one program in 20 countries and all six areas in 12 countries. HIV/AIDS were the most commonly funded program. Eighty percent of GHI funding is directed to programs in Africa. The majority of countries that received funding, 86 percent, are categorized as low income by the World Bank. The Foundation’s report also found that GHI countries represented almost all of the maternal deaths in the world and 85 percent of HIV rates. According to the report, these findings are beneficial to help find improvements for GHI funding opportunities. One quarter of the total funding was allocated to eight countries that serve as “learning laboratories”. 

The report provided a context for the current role of the U.S. in global health and identity future developments. For example, it identified some countries with high funding have relatively low disease rates. GHI can utilize these findings, such as gaps in standardized funding, to allocate support efficiently.  And, the report points to several opportunities and challenges that face the GHI.  A more global look at GHI countries and program presence will not only help to identify overlaps and potential areas for further integration, but may also identify areas in need of particular attention, such as implementation of the GHI’s focus on women, girls and gender equality in those countries that do not currently receive GHI funding.

The Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit private operating foundation dedicated to producing and communicating the best possible information and analysis on health issues. To read the report in its entirety, visit http://www.kff.org/.

Amanda Sorrentino, GHLI Intern

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