Booker Introduces SIGHT Act to Empower USAID to Expand R&D for Global Health Technologies

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chair of the Africa and Global Health Policy Subcommittee, has introduced the Supporting Innovative Global Health Technologies (SIGHT) Act, legislation to empower the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to boost its research and development capabilities for health care technologies in low- and middle-income countries abroad. U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (D-PA-01), Maria Salazar (R-FL-27) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) introduced bipartisan companion legislation in the House last November.

"The United States must continue to strengthen our commitment to global health innovation," said Senator Booker. "Investing in USAID's research and development of transformative health technologies will help us address the most pressing challenges facing our global community. The SIGHT Act is a critical step toward improving our nation's ability to respond directly to health emergencies worldwide with cutting-edge, lifesaving technology."

"The United States must remain a leader in health technology innovation at home and abroad," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. "Our bipartisan bill aims to address global health issues and provide further research and development in order to help save millions of lives on the world stage."

"We need stronger American investments to tackle the global health challenges of the 21st century," said Congresswoman Salazar. "The SIGHT Act establishes a program dedicated to research at USAID, allowing us to better focus our energy on transformative tools that can save lives and drive down costs. I'm proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill to improve healthcare outcomes for the most vulnerable."

"COVID-19 laid bare that we must ensure populations at home and abroad have the resources to innovate rapidly, and that global health directly impacts economic stability and prosperity. As health emergencies continue to affect communities worldwide, it's important that we invest in organizations with a track record of successfully advancing global health. One great example is USAID," said Congresswoman Houlahan. "I am proud to introduce this bipartisan piece of legislation to support USAID, enabling them to advance cross-cutting research and development and respond quickly to emerging public health threats."

"We applaud Senator Booker for his leadership in advancing next-generation health innovations that are critical for tackling both known and emerging global health challenges by expanding the global health R&D ecosystem within the US government," said Dr. Kristie Mikus, Executive Director of the Global Health Technologies Coalition (GHTC), which represents 49 nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and aligned businesses dedicated to advancing life-saving innovations globally. "With its extensive presence in low- and middle-income countries and its strong track record of fostering public-private partnerships, USAID is uniquely positioned to drive groundbreaking health innovation. It is encouraging to see congressional leaders in both the House and Senate recognize USAID's potential to embrace new disease-agnostic program areas that will complement the ongoing USAID R&D partnerships that have already been instrumental in saving millions of lives around the world."

The SIGHT Act is endorsed by the follow organizations: 3rd Stone Design, Advancing Synergy, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, AVAC, BEMPU Health, BIO Ventures for Global Health, Bugworks, Catalysts for Change, Center for Global Health Innovation, CEPI U.S., Coalition for Health Research and Development, CORE Group, Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevoelkerung, FIND, FREO2 Foundation, Global Health Council, Global Health Strategies, Global Health Technologies Coalition, Global Impact, Hemex Health, IAVI, Innovative Vector Control Consortium, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, International Vaccine Institute, Makerere University School of Public Health, Management Sciences for Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Medical IMPACT, Medicines for Malaria Venture, MRIGlobal, Pandemic Action Network, Panorama, PATH, Pathfinder International, Policy Cures Research, Population Council, Population Services International, Rice University Institute for Global Health Technologies Coalition, Sabin Vaccine Institute, Sightsavers, Sinapi Biomedical, Society for Children Orphaned by AIDS Inc., South Africa Health Technologies Advocacy Coalition, Speak Up Africa, The BroadReach Group, The Task Force for Global Health, Treatment Action Group, Unlock Aid Coalition, and White Ribbon Alliance.

To read the full text of the bill, click here.