Campaign for a Public Health Advisory Committee on Trade (PHACT)

Reframing global trade policy.  The global economy is at a crossroads.  Financial instability, emerging economies, and environmental change present challenges to business as usual. Over the past decade public health has become a countervailing force in trade policy.  We have the opportunity and imperative to integrate public health’s perspective and participation as a new U.S. administration confronts today’s challenges. In response to a campaign by the CPATH network and allies in Congress (HR 2293/Van Hollen and S.1664/Stabenow), the Administration is revamping the membership of trade advisory committees, and adding public health members to existing committees. These committees are looking at the nexus between trade and other international agreements, such as environmental and health agreements, as well as institutions such as the World Health Organization. The Campaign for a Public Health Advisory Committee on Trade (PHACT) offers renewed opportunities to reverse policies with a negative impact on public health, and implement policies that promote and protect health.

Drafting Statements on Public Health and Trade: We need to communicate to the administration and the public how and why these issues are part of our ongoing work, and are important to the global  agendas for health, the economy, and human rights.

BRING YOUR IDEAS: WHAT SHOULD PUBLIC HEALTH ADVOCATE FOR ON THESE COMMITTEES?