Ank you so much. In the last the world has persevered through a deadly pandemic that has claimed nearly 7 million lives across now, as we reflect on the International Response to this Public Health crisis to the future, we must do so with a commitment to advancing Global Health security. There is no International Organization as central to this work, as the World Health Organization. Which, has contributed to monumental advancements in healthcare access, improvements in Population Health outcomes, and the defeat of deadly diseases, even in the furthest corners of the world. The w. H. O. s continued surveillance of Global Health threats have helped prevent outbreaks of deadly diseases, such as measles from arriving on our shores. The w. H. O. s global vaccination programs have helped contribute to an overall 54 increase in global Life Expectancy in the last 70 years, and put us on track to prevent 51 Million Deaths from measles, and hepatitis b around the world. So, i want the time to emphasize now that in our work to prevent and prepare for future pandemics, is not in conflict with enhancing international cooperation. Are strengthened and fortified by it. In our last hearing on agreed that threats to the American Peoples health, do not end at our borders. , in order for us to ensure our nation is truly prepared for the next pandemic, we must continue to engage with the International Community on work that prevents future threats from reaching our nation the United States has served as the preeminent leader in Global Health for decades. Now is not the another country, aiming for global influence. No, now is the time to reinforce the United StatesGlobal Health leadership with ingful reforms to the w. H. O. That promote transparency and strengthen international cooperation, in the event of future pandemics. Thankfully, after years of leadership under the previous Trump Administration, the Biden Administration has sought to correct course by reengagingthe World Health Organization but our partners around the world, to advance Global Health in our interests abroad. You see, when we become an isolationist nation, we leave a void, that other countries can and fill to use Public Health diplomacy as a geopolitical dominance. S the early days of the pandemics, the Biden Administration has pursued reforms to the w. H. O. , and i think we can all get behind reforms that, one, enhance oversight of Member States compliance with International Health regulations, two, develop an Early Warning system for Public Health threats, and three, capabilities for Public Health emergencies of International Concern. Exactly what we are working on, strengthen. So, these reforms would not only institute positive changes at the world health ganizationt , bu pandemic preparedness on a global scale, and therefore reinforce u. S. Influence in international to institutions and norms. Ys Global Health is the cornerstone of our st continue to find ways that enhance our role in this space on the International Stage. Th we leave gaps, our adversaries will fill them. So, now, more than ever, we should work to deepen cooperation with our allies and commit to a proach to Global Health security that will ultimately counter the Chinese Communist party and deter their influence. Bold investments in Global Health and pandemic prevention made through the consolidated appropriations act, and the American Rescue plan has set the stage for this work. For example, the American Rescue plan funds bolstering the w. H. O. s covid19 Vaccination Administration efforts helped vaccinate approximately health the worlds population for covid19 within a oneyear period. With the u. S. , making go to key regions of the world, where we compete with the prc for influence. Additionally, the Biden Administration mented these investments with forwardlooking policies that advance u. S. Interests abroad. Notably, under President Bidens leadership, the state department established its bureau of Global Health security and diplomacy, with ambassador at large at the helm. Ambassador i look forward to hearing fromyou today about how the bureau has integrated Global Health security in our National Security and informed iorities and engaging with w. H. O. To advance that effort. So, there is certainly a great deal of ground to cover in todays discussion and it is my hope that today, we can identify constructive reforms to the w. H. O. Fort to enhance Global Pandemic preparedness as well as forward looking policiesthat further cement americas leadership in Global Health security. With that, thank you, mr. Chairman, and i yield back. Well, thank you. Our Witnesses Today are ms. Loyce pace ms. Pace as the assistant secretary of health and Human Services for global affairs. Ambassador john nkengasong, ambassador nkengasong is the u. S. Global a. I. D. S. Coordinator and Senior Bureau official for Global Health security and diplomacy for the department of state. He worked as the w. H. O. Special envoy for africa during the covid19 pandemic. He is a cher, the current administrator of the u. S. Agency for International Development for Global Health, as well as board certified, in general surgery. Pursuant to the committee on oversight and accountability, real 9g, the witnesses will please stand and raise the right hands. Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you god . Thank you. Let the record show that the affirmative. This selective subcommittee certainly appreciates you all being here today. And i am sorry we had a delay in this meeting, but we are grateful you are here today, and look forward to your testimony. Let me remind the witnesses, we written statements and they will appear in full in the hearing. But, please limit your oral statements to five minutes. As a reminder please press the button on the microphone in front of you so that it is on when you speak, and sothat the members can hear you. When you begin to speak, the light in front of you will turn green. After four minutes, the light will turn yellow. When the red light comes on your five minutes has expired, and we would ask that you please wrap up the statement. I now recognize to give an opening statement. Good afternoon, chairman ranking me ruiz, and members of the subcommittee. Thank you for ensuring that we identify these the covid19 pandemic to enhance our Public Preparedness and National Security. W. H. O. , and has been working since the start of the pandemic, on Institutional Reforms that improve transparency and accountability, both within the organization, and as he said, sir, across its 194 Member States. We work closely with our colleagues at the department of state and usaid as well as other agencies to build pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capacities, worldwide. Of course,the world has been profby the cod19 pandemic. In the u. S. , unfortunately, we tragically lost more than 1 million lives, and nearly 7 million have died locally. We know there is no ocean large enough to protect americans from a virus that can spread we also know that it is only a matter of time before the world faces another serious Public Health threat. Rns nearly every Global Health challenge over the past 75 years, combating and curing some of the planets most deadly diseases. Currently, is responding to dozens of serious Health Emergencies, including in gaza and in ukraine. But, it takes an effective w. H. O. To adequately guard wellbeing, supporting the safety and sovereignty of america. Frankly, if w. H. O. Didnt exist, we would have to that said, pandemic also revealed ma security architecture, including, and importantly, at w. H. O. Working with likeminded Member States, the u. S. Is leveraging our seat at the table to draw dialogues and solutions required today, because unfortunately, we have learned the hard way that this is in our nationat that table, hhs is leading efforts to update the International Health onre precise, and better fit for purpose. Among other important reforms, we are advocating for amendments that would ensure rapid and transparent information sharing, and hence w. H. O. s ability to assess Health Threats, and improved Global Implementation and compliance. Additionally e working alongside state Department Colleagues to negotiate a global agreement that seeks to improve and collaboration on pandemic prepar rough both of these negotiations, we are advancing longstanding u. S. Priorities, to reinforce regional capacity and reduce risks posed by emerging infections. Ultimately we are focused on lutions that break the cycle of pandemic crisis and complacency. The u. S. Is also pushing itself. With vocal u. S. Leadership, the 2023 executive Board Meeting and World Health Assembly approved a set of recommendations and plans for more stringent oversight of w. H. O. s budget and business functions. We are closely Monitoring Progress with w. H. O. Leadership, and ensuring principles of Good Governance , at all levels of closing i would like to highlight two of the greatest Health Achievements of the 20th and 21st centuries. The elimination of smallpox, are the direct results of pa zs. Nongovernmental organizations, countries around the world, and w. H. O. In fact, the u. S. Was 1 of 59 countries that first signed the treaty, establishing a World Health Organization. Since then we have been party to many of its successes, and at the same time, have pushed the organization to be better over these last you can be assured that the Bidenharris Administration is committed to building on this legacy. Service to the American People, which is our north star. Thank you, again, for the opportunity to testify on these important issues. Annow recognize ambassador nkengasong to give an opening statement. Chairman Ranking Member ruiz, and members of the subcommittee. It is an honor to be with you today on behalf of the department of state, to discuss the u. S. Governments commitment to strengthening security to protect the we engage internationally at all levels, bilaterally, regionally, and multilaterally. Further w. H. O. , World Health Organization. I come before you today to presentthe u. S. Health security and diplomacy, which was launched on august 1st of this year, by i would like to thank members of the congress support in establishing this bureau. The covid19 pandemic left a deep Lasting Impact on all of us. With over 1 million american lives lost and at least 7 million globallyd that the American Economy lost more than 14 trillion, due to the pandemic, and economies estimates that global gdp contracted by three Percentage Points in 2020. The last three years have reinforced that a pandemic is not only a ha an economic crisis, and it is a National Security crisis. Without the combined leadership of the United States partners including w. H. O. And others, the world might not yet have successfully made it out the covid19 pandemic. The coordinated global efforts required major demonstration of this lesson. A coalition of countries, including the United States 3bthe w. H. O. To support the covid19 vaccines, the Global Access initiative. Nership with kovacs, and bilaterally, has administrated close to 7 million safe vaccines to over 117 countries around the world. Whereas, simultaneously, Regional Vaccine manufacturing. Supporting workers, and strengthening our capacity to prevent, detect, and respondto covid19 and future Health Threats. Under secretary blinkens leadntrtntinues to play a Critical Role in eliminating Global Health and security, as a majorplayer in security and diplomacy is focused on collaborating across the u. S. Interagency community, and to do all that we can to mitigate future threats. Unfortunately, it is not a question of ifemerge, it is a matter of when. The worl collaboration, and communication. A major priority continues to be ending the hiv a. I. D. S. Threatthe future i look forward to working with you, in a strong passion pass a clean five years through authorization. These are part of the challenges w. H. O. Has faced and continues to face advancing Global Health security priorities. By coordinating laws and responding to emergencies and promoting the w. H. O. s leadership in developing these guines and policies for combating hiv a. I. D. S. Has been criticalfor enhancing diplomatic efforts when working with to advance their respective hiv a. I. D. S. Responses. Un continued continue to a in ensuring the w. H. O. Is reformed to effectively address current and future Global Health challenges. Engaged with the task force involved in these efforts, and we continue to exercise these in this space. Thank you, ch and Ranking Member ruiz to testify on this topic, and i look forward to yo thank you, ambassador. I now recognize dr. Gawande to give an opening statement. Chairman wenstrup, Ranking Member ruiz, dr. Ruiz, we are across a different table, and be here from where we were a few years ago . Also members of the select subcommittee, thank you for your chance to speak about u. S. Commitment to global security, to our partnership with the World Health Organization, and the importance of continuing the systems required to secure our collective protection from international Health Threats. Usaids Health Investments focus on the global burden of mortality and di Global Health threats abroad. We work daily to prevent and respond to emerging threats, while also pursuingterm goals, such as eradicating polio, and ending the Public Health threats of hiv, malaria, and tuberculosis, by 2030. Success requires global collaboration, collaboration for impact on health is what w. H. O. Has done for 75 years, and that is why w. H. O. Has been an essential partner fundin h. O. Levacation Eradication Initiative is one example. W. H. O. Demonstrates its unique convening power and technical Capacity Activities worldwide. Usaid has supported w. H. O. s polio eradication 35 years and now we have only 12 wild type cases documented ar, in a small region along the afghanistanpakistan border. Last week, w. H. O. s quiet,n to finally allow house to house vaccination , p priorities is strengthening Global Health security. The capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious threats that can ld our partnership with w. H. O. Is cric Global Network and Technical Expertise to help