America's Vital Interest in Global Health: Protecting Our People, Enhancing Our Economy, and Advancing Our International Interests (1997)

Summary: Since the end of the Cold War, the world economy has become increasingly interconnected. The movement of 2 million people each day across national borders and the growth of international commerce are inevitably associated with transfers of health risks, some obvious examples being infectious diseases, contaminated foodstuffs, terrorism, and legal or banned toxic substances. Foreign assistance can be only one small component of America's contribution to improving global health. In a context of rapid worldwide change, other activities, such as research into major global health problems, are equally important. Many players contribute, including numerous governmental agencies, nongovernmental agencies, and international organizations, yet coherent and effective leadership is lacking. The report recommends that the United States exert greater leadership in global health by taking full advantage of its strength in science and technology. In so doing, the United States will fulfill its national responsibility to protect Americans' health, enhance U.S. economic interests, and project U.S. influence internationally.