Innovative Financing and the Global Health Funding Gap

By: Staff Person
February 25, 2011

The event marked the launch of the Pledge Guarantee for Health and its first transaction, in partnership with many actors including the Government of Zambia. Essentially, the PGH model helps streamline the procurement of lifesaving health supplies while at the same time reducing costs and eliminating waste. As a result of this innovative, fresh approach, more than 800,000 anti-malaria bed nets have been distributed ahead of the deadly rainy season in Zambia.

Former Congressman and Amb Mark Green Joins USGLC

By: Staff Person
February 24, 2011

“I am honored to be joining the USGLC and working to educate Americans about how important our diplomatic and economic development efforts are in the world. From my time in Congress and as a U.S. ambassador, I know personally how critical this small one percent of the federal budget is to achieving our national security and foreign policy goals, as well as demonstrating our core American values at their very best.

A Message to Freshman Members of Congress: Invest in nation’s smart power

By: Staff Person
February 17, 2011

Representatives Gerald Connolly (D-VA) and Leonard Lance (R-NJ) authored an op-ed which appeared in today’s Politico about the importance of investing in smart power regardless of one’s political affiliation. The bipartisan piece was geared toward freshman members of Congress – providing a word of advice on the importance of the international affairs budget and it’s impact on national security.

Is Obama’s Budget Good on Reform Efforts?

By: Staff Person
February 16, 2011

But of course the question isn’t just about how much we’re spending. The most important question is about how and where we’re investing that money. And here—on the test of brains—Obama’s budget holds much more promise.

Shah’s Speech at NIH: Delivering Dramatic, Sustainable Global Health Gains

By: Staff Person
February 15, 2011

Before US Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Rajiv Shah uttered the first word of his National Institutes of Health (NIH) Barmes Lecture today, NIH Director Francis Collins called attention to the symbolism of the moment: He said it marked the first time that a sitting USAID leader had spoken at NIH. But Shah had more than symbolism in mind.

MFAN Partners React to FY’11 and FY’12 Budgets

By: Staff Person
February 15, 2011

Below are excerpts from MFAN Partners’ statements in reaction to President Obama’s FY2012 budget request released yesterday and the ongoing debates over the Continuing Resolution for FY 2011 in the House. You can read MFAN’s statement on the budget here. To learn more about the budget debates, click on the following links: U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Budget Center; InterAction; and ONE’s blog.

MFAN Members Set the Scene for Budget Day

By: Staff Person
February 14, 2011

On Saturday, Worthington argued that any attempts to cut foreign assistance would be “penny-wise and pound foolish” in an op-ed for the National Review. Worthington described foreign assistance as an investment, writing, “Foreign assistance is a down payment for U.S. national security in that it helps to create a more stable and secure world. Investing in societies now reaps rewards for years to come and helps avert future military conflicts, which cost much more in blood and national treasure. Development is a key component of foreign policy strategy and must not be an afterthought.” He closed his piece by noting the power of American generosity and the need to resist being “stingy” in a complex world.

Another foreign assistance casualty of the 112th Congress?

By: Staff Person
February 14, 2011

Congress allowed a longstanding trade access program to lapse in December, 2010. That program, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), allowed over 100 poor developing countries around the world to export their goods to the United States. The program has been in place since 1974, and has succeeded in enabling low-income countries to expand their economies and create jobs for their citizens, thereby becoming less aid-dependent. The program is consistent with a long-term vision of sustainable economic development.

MFAN Partner ONE Speaks Out on Aid Reform and the Budget

By: Staff Person
February 11, 2011

“This month marks the beginning of what is sure to be a difficult and contentious year-long, and perhaps years-long, debate over U.S. spending. Foreign aid should and will be part of that discussion and cuts are certain, whether they come from the Administration or Congress. But my hope is that they will be “smart” cuts that will not minimize the goal of advancing American interests, scale back aid programs that have proven to be effective, or stifle promising new initiatives that will bring greater efficiency, accountability, and impact to that less-than-1% of the budget that is foreign aid.”

Building a Better, Safer World Starting on Capitol Hill

By: Staff Person
February 10, 2011

Our message to the members of Congress was simple. Even in tough economic times, a strong and effective International Affairs Budget is worth every dime. Investing in democracy, development, and diplomacy serves our economic interests here at home as well and our national security. As I accompanied Truman National Security Project veteran Lt. General Norm Seip (US Air Force, Retired) and his group to meetings with several new US Senators, the national security and economic arguments for continuing our development work abroad had the most resounding impact. One thing is clear: development is not charity — it is part and parcel of our national security and it has very real impacts on the global economy.