The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) submits this report pursuant to Public Law 115-411, the Global Health Innovation Act of 2017, which directs that:
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for a period of 4 years, the Administrator of USAID shall submit to Congress a report on the development and use of global health innovations in the programs, projects, and activities of the Agency.
Introduction
For decades, innovation has been a critical component of USAID’s work in global health. Striking reductions in maternal and child deaths; a vast expansion of access to life-saving drugs for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria; measured improvements in treatments for neglected tropical diseases; and many other successes in global health have come about through innovation, including efforts to address the global COVID-19 pandemic. By sourcing novel ideas and approaches, enhancing existing solutions, and engaging new partners, USAID is committed to the continued use of innovation to overcome health challenges.
Innovation at USAID
USAID defines “innovation” as the pursuit of novel approaches that lead to substantial improvements in addressing development challenges. Over the last year, USAID/Global Health transformative innovations reached new communities with new models and incremental innovations enabled expanded uptake or enhanced approaches.
