USAID's Health Technology Programs

Global Problem

Health programs in developing countries face a number of problems related to existing health technologies, which may be too expensive, fragile, or sensitive to heat and humidity for use in developing-country environments. Existing technologies may also be targeted toward diseases of the developed world or require highly trained personnel to operate them.

USAID’s Approach

For over 15 years, USAID has given a high priority to developing and testing an array of health technologies applicable to preventing and treating diseases in the developing world. USAID’s health technology programs identify, develop, and apply appropriate and innovative solutions to problems confronted by primary health and family planning providers in the developing world. These programs can:

• Improve the ability of health workers in the most remote facilities to make a quick and accurate diagnosis
• Enhance the ability of programs to monitor progress
• Reduce the number of injections given with contaminated needles
• Improve delivery and access to vaccines, contraceptives, and medicines
• Introduce new methods for disease prevention and control
• Save money through lowered supply costs, reduced vaccine wastage, and improved targeting of resources

Future Development

Technologies currently under development include:

• Inexpensive one-step diagnostics for tuberculosis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea that can be used in remote settings and allow patient diagnosis and treatment at the same visit
• Inexpensive jet injectors for administering vaccines without needles and without risk of contamination
• New and improved vaccines to combat pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhea

USAID health technology programs can spur the development of local health industries. Several developing countries now manufacture their own diagnostics. Manufacturers and regulatory agencies also receive training in manufacturing and regulation and control practices. Together, these activities promote economic growth, rational choice of technologies, and self-reliance.

These programs are natural extensions of the U.S. biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. The technologies they produce are based on research and development supported through public/private partnerships and collaboration. Manufacturing takes place both in the United States and the developing world, thus providing employment both at home and abroad. Although these technologies were originally developed for use overseas, many are applicable and adaptable for use in the United States as well.

USAID's Key Achievements in Health Technology Programs

• HIV Dipstick, a low-cost, simple HIV test that meets World Health Organization (WHO) standards. It is now manufactured by local companies in Asia and South America.
• Low-cost diagnostics for malaria, syphilis, and hepatitis B. These rapid and simple tests allow patients to be diagnosed and treated on the same visit.
• SoloShot,^™ the first successful auto-disable syringe, produced by Becton Dickinson. It prevents infections associated with reuse of contaminated syringes and needles.
• UniJect,^™ a prefilled single-use injection device licensed to Becton Dickinson. It allows village and mobile health workers to administer vaccines, injectable contraceptives such as Depo-Provera, and other essential medications.
• Vaccine vial monitors. These indicators on vaccine labels change color when the vaccine has been damaged by heat exposure. Their proper use can reduce vaccine wastage and lead to savings of up to US$10 million per year for polio vaccine alone.
• The retinol-binding protein enzyme immunoassay. This inexpensive tool for assessing vitamin A deficiency can determine a population’s need for vitamin A supplements and the efficacy of vitamin A supplementation.
• Improved oral rehydration salts (ORS). WHO introduced the new ORS formula at the 2002 United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children and estimates it could avert 14,000 deaths and save $7.1 million for every 1 million diarrhea episodes.