Former Senators Urge Congress to Prioritize Global Health as Strategic Diplomacy

The authors, former U.S. senators, argue that improving global health must become a top priority for the United States, especially in light of recent outbreaks such as hantavirus and Ebola, which link the health of Americans to that of people worldwide.

They recount their role in launching the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, noting that the program has saved tens of millions of lives, prevented countless HIV infections, and boosted the United States’ reputation while improving socioeconomic conditions and reducing political instability in recipient nations.

The piece introduces the term “strategic health diplomacy,” describing how addressing health challenges abroad can advance America’s own strategic interests.

Drawing on PEPFAR’s experience, the authors recommend that future health responses have clear objectives, target real needs with visible impact, respect local contexts, commit for the long term, build local capacity, and maintain transparency and accountability.

They warn that recent budget cuts to CDC and USAID global‑health programs have weakened the nation’s preparedness, urging Congress to apply these lessons and sustain robust support for international health initiatives.