At a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing before the Congressional recess, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Michael Rigas responded to a question from Rep. Thomas Kean, Jr. about the use of American pharmaceuticals in foreign emergency health programs.
00:00The Chair now recognizes Representative King.
00:04Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to Deputy Secretary Regas for being here today.
00:10As we evaluate the work that is being done at the U.S. State Department,
00:14it is vital that America's global health programs continue to prioritize American innovation.
00:21I look forward to hearing how the State Department is continuing to implement U.S. global health priorities that protect all Americans.
00:29The State Department has an integral role to play in implementing global health programs like PEPFAR.
00:38Can you provide an update on the status of PEPFAR transition planning to partner country ownership?
00:45Sir, thank you for that question, Congressman.
00:48About 85 percent of the funds for PEPFAR for direct care is what we requested in the budget.
00:56The 15 percent that was not requested are for countries that we assess have the ability to execute those programs on their own.
01:03There is an overall 54 percent cut for administrative non-direct care funds for PEPFAR.
01:12But again, as I mentioned, like the 15 percent reduction represents our philosophy that as countries are able to administer these programs themselves,
01:20they should be taking on that responsibility.
01:23When will effective transition planning for partner country ownership for PEPFAR begin to move forward?
01:30And if conducted on a country-by-country basis, what countries do you plan to assess first?
01:38Thank you for that question, Congressman.
01:41I think that is I'd have to refer that question to the Bureau administering the program to get their assessment on which countries are sort of further up the chain when it comes to their ability to administer the program.
01:55But we would certainly start there with those who are most able to carry out the delivery of the aid.
02:01And America's innovative companies have long been a cornerstone of America's global health efforts.
02:10Could you share how programs like PEPFAR and Gavi can utilize American products to ensure effective solutions to global health problems?
02:21Sure. We are. I mean, we are leading the world when it comes to innovation in pharmaceuticals and life saving treatments, not just for Americans, for people all over the world.
02:32When it comes to PEPFAR, I mean, I think that's been a great example of how aid has been delivered.
02:37But the the second letter in PEPFAR, the E stands for emergency.
02:43And this was an emergency program implemented over 20 years ago.
02:47And I think we need to ask ourselves, how long can a can a program be an emergency?
02:51And when can we sort of move to a graduation strategy where countries can begin to take this responsibility on themselves and move into a more normal kind of environment?
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