# Global health research boosts U.S. health and economy

> Global health research creates U.S. jobs and saves money while improving health.
- Title: Global health research boosts U.S. health and economy
- Summary: Global health research creates U.S. jobs and saves money while improving health. U.S. global health research investments generate economic benefits and…
- Keywords: ivermectin, river blindness, shingles vaccine, malaria vaccine, tuberculosis vaccine, bladder cancer, long term care, healthcare system, nih, u.s. jobs, economic activity, health disparities
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/global-health-research-makes-america-richer-and-healthier-292430
- Author: Joshua R. Ehrlich
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ivermectin, river blindness, shingles vaccine, malaria vaccine, tuberculosis vaccine, bladder cancer, long term care, healthcare system, nih, u.s. jobs, economic activity, health disparities
## Ivermectin for itchy eyes
A U.S. patient used ivermectin for itchy eyes after seeing a doctor who diagnosed her with eyelid inflammation.

> ivermectin
## Ivermectin's unexpected use
Researchers rejected ivermectin for treating covid-19 but it now treats itchy eyes and rosacea in the u.s.

> river blindness
## Global health research benefits
Global health research has produced treatments and economic benefits that advantage wealthy countries.
## NIH investment returns
Every us$1 the nih invests in global health research returns us$2.21 and creates seven american jobs.

> $2.21
## NIH spending from 2008-2024
U.s. government spent $46 billion on global health research between 2008 and 2024, creating 600,000 jobs and $104 billion in economic activity.

> $46 billion
## Malaria vaccine spillover
A malaria vaccine developed for sub-saharan africa prevents up to 1 in 8 childhood deaths and is used in u.s. shingles and rsv vaccines.

> malaria vaccine
## Tuberculosis vaccine spillover
A tuberculosis vaccine developed over 100 years ago is now used to treat bladder cancer and prevent 300,000 cancers.

> tuberculosis vaccine
## Long-term care system
Washington state created a long-term care insurance program using lessons from germany’s healthcare system.

> washington cares
## Key takeaway

U.S. global health research investments generate economic benefits and health improvements for Americans.