PROGRAM FOR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY IN HEALTH

The 'Program for Appropriate Technology in Health' (more commonly known as 'PATH') is an international, nonprofit organization based in Seattle, Washington (USA); with offices in fourteen countries and more than 400 employees. Current offices are located in: Cambodia, China, France, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nicaragua, Senegal, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, Vietnam, and the United States. PATH’s tagline is “A catalyst for global health.”

Contents

History

Funding and purpose

Projects

See also

External links

References

History

Originally named Program for the Introduction and Adaptation of Contraceptive Technology (PIACT), was founded in 1977, and changed its name and purpose in 1980 to Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH). Since that time, PATH has spread to have offices in 14 different countries and works in more than 65.

Funding and purpose

Named one of the 200 largest U.S. charities by Forbes in 2005^[1]
, PATH receives funding from foundations, the US government, other governments, other agencies, and individuals. This includes nearly $750 million US Dollars from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation since 1995^[2], as well as $200 million from the Geneva-based Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI). ^[3]
PATH uses this funding to work on a wide array of emerging and persistent global health issues such as children’s health, infectious disease, maternal and reproductive health, vaccines and immunization; in an effort to improve the health people around the world by advancing technology, strengthening systems, and encouraging healthy behavior.

Projects

In 2005, the Organization spent about $100 million USD on its projects and was awarded a 4-star rating in the Charity Navigator Directory.^[4] The projects include immunization in Vietnam, tuberculosis control in Ukraine, meningitis vaccine for Africa, HIV/AIDS communication in Africa etc.
PATH collaborates with WHO, CDC, UNICEF to develop a module on how to use the WHO Measles Strategic Planning (MSP).^[5]
One of PATH's many projects is the SILCS diaphragm, a silicone barrier contraceptive device which is inserted vaginally.

See also

★ Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

★ Philanthropy

★ SILCS diaphragm

★ World Health Organization

External links

★ PATH – official website

References

1. Forbes’ top 200 charities Forbes
2. Seattle moves to forefront in global fight to save lives The Seattle Times
3. 0 million aimed at children's diseases: Vaccines will be provided to young in poor countries The Seattle PI
4. Charity Navigator Directory
5. WHO Page