GHTC applauds USAID's continued prioritization of global health innovation through new BAA

GHTC applauds USAID's continued prioritization of global health innovation through new BAA 

GHTC welcomes the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID’S) release of a broad agency announcement (BAA) seeking proposals to develop novel tools and approaches to advance global health. We are pleased to see the agency's continued commitment to health research and development (R&D) and its interest in working with partners in low- and middle-income countries. 

For decades, USAID has invested in R&D for new vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, and other tools as part of its mission to advance global health. Unfortunately, in recent years, USAID investments in R&D have not kept pace with total global health spending—a trend that limits the agency’s ability to deliver the tools needed to defeat both long-standing and emerging health challenges. 

We hope this BAA will increase total funding for R&D efforts and fulfill the congressional directive in the fiscal year 2023 omnibus package that USAID increase its investments in global health R&D over the prior year. 

 The opportunity presented by this BAA aligns with GHTC’s nonpartisan policy analysis recommending that a dedicated R&D funding line be created for USAID with no less than US$250 million in additive funding. Such an influx of new research funding would supercharge USAID’s innovation capacity, help close the biggest gaps in our global health toolbox, and save more lives more quickly.