The CSIS-Schieffer Series Dialogues
On October 11, 2011 the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and TCU's Schieffer School of Journalism held the CSIS-Schieffer Series Dialogue on U.S. Leadership in Global Health. The TCU Schieffer School of Journalism and CSIS cosponsor a monthly series of dialogues hosted by award-winning journalist Bob Schieffer to discuss the most pressing foreign and domestic issues of the day.
From 2003 to 2010, U.S. investment in global health rose from $1.7 billion to 8.8 billion. Though foreign assistance represents only 1 percent of the federal budget, it has come under increasing pressure during a time of fiscal constraint. Bob Schieffer explored the impact and importance of U.S. global health leadership with CSIS Global Health Policy Center director Stephen Morrison, CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden, Representative Kay Granger (R-TX), and Health Affairs editor-in-chief Susan Dentzer.
- Freiden stressed that U.S. investment in global health helps protect Americans from epidemics originating overseas; ensures that U.S. trading partners are stable and productive; and is a potent source of soft power abroad.
- Morrison praised coordinated leadership from the Bush and Obama administrations, foundations, faith based initiatives, and global partners as driving progress in the fight against HIV/AIDs, and he stressed the need to grasp the emerging challenges of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disease.
- Highlighting the bipartisan support for global health programs like PEPFAR, Rep. Granger called for greater flexibility to respond to global health crises and the importance of building sustainability into global health programs.
- Dentzer pointed out the tremendous success from U.S. global health leadership, particularly against HIV/AIDs, with 4 million people on antiretroviral treatment and 400,000 cases prevented each year thanks to U.S. engagement.
- Schieffer drew attention to the return to U.S. soil – after a 22 year gap – of the biannual global AIDS conference: 'AIDS2012.’ Speakers agreed that despite the difficult budgetary and political environment, this will be an occasion to celebrate with pride U.S. achievements at home and abroad in saving and enhancing lives, advancing science and prevention, and raising hope of ‘turning the tide’ of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
*Full video from the event above*
Click here to watch a 7 minute highlight video from this event.
Click here to listen to audio from this event.
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