Sires Seeks Affordable Solutions to Save Lives

Press Release

Today, Congressman Sires met with Dr. Chris Elias, the President of PATH to discuss how Congressional action can help promote the development of health products that are affordable, culturally appropriate, and easy to use in low-resource health systems. PATH is an international nonprofit organization that collaborates with public and private sectors through USAID's HealthTech program to find solution to improve global health care.

"Through the HealthTech program and PATH, companies and organization around the country are creating tools to dramatically improve the quality of life for people around the world. Right here in New Jersey, we have companies developing products that can change the way medicine is packaged and monitored to make it easier to preserve and distribute," said Congressman Sires.

Congressman Sires recently introduced H.R. 3560, the 21st Century Global Health Technology Act. This legislation would provide a small, but steady funding stream to USAID to fund research initiatives, like those organized by PATH. The bill authorizes a long-term program to continue the creation of health technologies for low-resource health systems. H.R. 3660 would help to address health needs around the world, reduce the threat of pandemic diseases, and improve stability in developing countries.

"I am proud to introduce a bill that would not only improve global health care, but support skilled jobs for American workers, and enhance the United States' competiveness in the increasingly technological global economy," said Congressman Sires.

H.R. 3560 is currently under view by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Source