NIAID’s Role in Global Research
NIAID supports the conduct of global research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases and conditions. In addition to advancing these scientific goals, NIAID’s global research helps to improve the health of millions of people around the world, to protect the United States against infectious disease threats, and to promote international economic and political stability. Together, these efforts establish NIAID as a leader in global health.
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| NIAID supported biomedical research in nearly 100 countries during fiscal year 2007. |
Understanding, Treating, and Preventing Diseases
Conducting research in international settings allows NIAID-supported scientists to study infectious diseases and immunology under a variety of environmental and social conditions. It also provides opportunities to study the effectiveness of investigational drugs and vaccines in populations that vary genetically and immunologically, in the hope of finding treatments for wide ranges of disease strains and mutations.
Improving the Health of Millions
By investing in the development of biomedical research capacity around the world, NIAID fosters the formation of long-standing research collaborations between U.S. and international scientists, many of whom are based in developing countries. In this capacity, NIAID supports innovative studies on infectious diseases and immunology in populations where the research may be effectively translated into medical care and public-health improvements.
Protecting U.S. Citizens
In today’s global society, infectious diseases that emerge or reemerge in one country can quickly spread throughout the world. Because U.S. citizens engage in extensive international travel and commerce, diseases that primarily affect populations abroad can enter the U.S. within hours. By working to prevent, diagnose, treat, and eliminate diseases at their source, NIAID helps to protect U.S. citizens, as well as others, from infectious-disease threats and outbreaks.
Promoting International Economic and Political Stability
The impact of debilitating diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, extends from individuals to families and into the broader society. In turn, the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases in developing countries can slow or reverse social and economic development. By helping to improve outcomes associated with infectious and immunological diseases, NIAID contributes to global development and stability.
Leading Contributions to Global Health
With infectious diseases among the primary causes of mortality and suffering worldwide, NIAID has embraced its leadership role in the global effort to defeat these diseases. By working with partners in academia, private industry, philanthropic foundations, and other research-supporting agencies, NIAID, on behalf of the American people, helps guide and enhance research that improves the quality of human life around the world.
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