By: Linda Diep
On Tuesday, I attended a panel discussion hosted by the TCU Schieffer School of Journalism and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Entitled “U.S. Leadership in Global Health,” the event was moderated by Bob Schieffer, Chief Washington Correspondent for CBS news, and anchor for “Face of the Nation.” Panelists included the following:
- J. Stephen Morrison, CSIS Senior Vice President and Director, CSIS Global Health Policy Center
- Thomas R. Frieden. Director, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Administrator, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
- Representative Kay Granger (R-TX), Chair, House Appropriations Foreign Operations Subcommittee
- Susan G. Dentzer, Editor-in-Chief, Health Affairs; Health Policy Analyst, PBS NewsHour
The discussion kicked off with talk about U.S. foreign assistance. In 2003, the U.S. spent $1.7 billion on global health, increasing to $8.8 billion in 2010. These figures may be staggering, however, this funding only accounts for 1% of our overall spending. Thomas Frieden of the CDC emphasizes that this aid is important due to globalization – we are interconnected with other nations and it is in our best interest to address the diseases of the developing world even if they don’t currently affect us. Representative Kay Granger goes on to say that America is a caring country, and we are willing to provide help where it is needed. » Read more: U.S. Leadership in Global Health







