The global health sector’s contributions to the economy of North Carolina

Abstract

North Carolina’s global health sector produces significant humanitarian and economic benefits both globally and locally. As a national leader in global health, North Carolina houses more than 220 organizations and institutions that work in more than 185 countries to save lives and improve health. Major universities; nonprofit organizations; faith-based groups; government agencies (including the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and offices of the Environmental Protection Agency); and biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical technology companies all come together in the state to improve the health of people around the world. Global health transcends boundaries and requires collective solutions that emphasize improving health, reducing disparities, and protecting against global threats. From mitigating emerging disease outbreaks like Zika and Ebola to developing early HIV/AIDS treatments and increasing access to safe drinking water and sanitation around the world, North Carolina institutions are at the forefront of saving lives. By developing new medicines, vaccines, technologies, and services, local researchers, businesses, and advocates are improving the health of communities around the world, including those in North Carolina, while also benefiting the state’s economy.