Ewha Womans UniversityInstitute for Development and Human Security

Overview and Trends in the USA's Health ODA

The United States is the leading donor in terms of the scale of international aid, contributing 50% of total international health aid and thereby holding the top position in this sector. However, when considering the ratio of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Gross National Income (GNI), which stands at 0.18%, the U.S. falls short of the standards set by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC). This indicates that, despite its significant contribution in absolute terms, the U.S. ODA/GNI ratio remains relatively low compared to international benchmarks.

The distribution of development aid can be broadly categorized into bilateral aid (aid given from one country directly to another) and multilateral aid (funds contributed to international organizations). In the case of the United States, 46.1% of its aid is bilateral. Major agencies involved in delivering this bilateral aid include the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI), and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Examining the data from the OECD DAC's Creditor Reporting System (CRS) on health sector (120) and sexual and reproductive health (130) aid, the priority of U.S. grant aid by continent from 2008 to 2017 is as follows:

 

미국의 원조목적코드 120, 130의 대륙별 지원비율

U.S. International Health ODA Strategy

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) leads the U.S. international health aid strategy with its Global Health Programs. These programs focus on building sustainable health systems while strategically addressing three main priorities: maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and infectious diseases.

① Maternal and Child Health

Annually, 5.9 million children and 303,000 women die from preventable causes. USAID has identified this as an urgent priority. USAID conducts programs in family planning, maternal and child health, malaria, and nutrition. It operates in 25 countries where maternal and child health issues are significant and where there are opportunities to effectively leverage existing public and private sector resources.

② HIV/AIDS Prevention

USAID has been a leader in HIV/AIDS programs. Since 2003, USAID has supported approximately 95 million HIV/AIDS tests and provided funding to around 5 million individuals. In addition to testing and treatment, USAID has trained over 270,000 personnel for HIV/AIDS and other health-related programs.

③ Infectious Diseases

The Emerging Pandemic Threats Program focuses on strengthening health systems to address sudden outbreaks and transmissions of infectious diseases. As a result of this program, the incidence of pneumonia has decreased by 50% since 1990.

In 2017, the U.S. investment in health ODA was allocated as follows: Infectious Disease Management: 21%, Reproductive Health: 21%, Malaria Management: 16%, Family Planning: 16%, Basic Health: 12%.

2017년 미국의 보건섹터별 투자비율

Girls' Health

The United States operates the DREAM Initiative to address activities related to adolescent health. The DREAM (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) Initiative is a public-private partnership targeting girls and young women aged 10 to 24 in ten countries with the highest rates of HIV incidence. These countries include Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Currently, partnerships have been established between the U.S. government and organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Nike, and PEPFAR to support the health and well-being of these individuals and ensure freedom from the threat of AIDS.