The US Agency for International Development (USAID) recently released a new five-year strategy to guide its global health research and development (R&D) efforts. Informed by the input of more than 150 stakeholders, the latest strategy continues the agency’s core focus on developing, introducing, and scaling up health technologies and approaches; advancing implementation science; and strengthening R&D systems while more intentionally embedding approaches of partnership, local leadership, monitoring and evaluation, and adaptive learning into its work.
Why it matters: The release of the strategy represents a renewed commitment by the agency to R&D. For more than 50 years, USAID has played a pivotal role in saving and improving lives around the world through its R&D programs. With its strong in-country presence, relationships with government and community leaders, and extensive knowledge of local context and development constraints, USAID is uniquely qualified to advance interventions that are affordable, accessible, scalable, and responsive to the needs of affected communities worldwide.
What’s included: The strategy outlines a mission, vision, four objectives, 16 key actions, four approaches, and four principles that will guide its R&D work. View the slide deck below to get a summary overview.
Our take: GHTC applauds USAID for developing this comprehensive strategy and for its inclusive design approach, which considered the input of a broad spectrum of US and global stakeholders. We are pleased to see this renewed commitment to R&D and the strategy’s increased emphasis on local leadership; inclusive innovation; and meeting the needs of women, children, and other vulnerable populations.