Advocating and Providing for Global Health Efforts That Combat Disease and Improve Access to Life-Saving Resources

The U.S. has long been a leader in advocating and providing for global health efforts that combat disease and improve access to life-saving resources for people all over the world. Years of collaboration between dedicated individuals, businesses and elected officials in dozens of countries have done so much already and maintaining that momentum is critical to stop the spread of deadly infections like TB.

The letter below was sent to all elected officials in Congress and the House of Representatives, encouraging them to continue investing in both the human and economic benefits of global health efforts. We hope this contribution to the conversation will help preserve the value placed on these programs and affirm the United States' position as a trusted, ethical and effective global health partner.

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 Dear U.S. Congress,

I am writing on behalf of MinXray Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer of portable and ultra-portable digital X-ray systems, to express our strong support for continued U.S. investment in global health initiatives, particularly those addressing tuberculosis (TB) and healthcare system strengthening in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Over the years, U.S. global health funding, including programs formerly supported by USAID, has played a crucial role in saving lives worldwide. In 2023, international TB programs helped avert millions of deaths while reinforcing essential healthcare infrastructure. These outcomes exemplify the power of targeted investments to foster health security and resilience, both globally and domestically.

American companies, such as MinXray, are proud to contribute to these efforts. In 2024 alone, MinXray delivered nearly 500 X-ray systems for national TB programs across multiple countries. These U.S.-made devices-often deployed in rural and hard-to-reach areas-extend critical diagnostic capabilities and accelerate patient care. Combined with artificial intelligence tools, they are transforming the landscape of TB detection and general diagnostic imaging in LMICs.

TB is the leading infectious disease killer in the world. In 2023 alone, more than 10 million people fell ill with TB worldwide and 1.25 million died. TB is also the leading killer of people with HIV and a major cause of deaths related to antimicrobial resistance. As a contagious respiratory infectious disease, halting investments in ending the epidemic put global health security and all lives -including American lives - at risk.

Just as important, these investments create jobs and economic opportunities here at home. Every system we deploy abroad supports American workers in manufacturing, logistics, engineering, and service. Continued funding for global health-now administered through the U.S. Department of State-ensures that these mutually beneficial outcomes continue.

We respectfully encourage you to support robust global health funding and ensure these resources are directed through U.S.-based innovators and manufacturers. Such investments strengthen America's role as a leader in global health, delivering high-impact, measurable benefits abroad and fostering meaningful economic growth at home.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to health, innovation, and global engagement.

Keith Kretchmer

Chairman and CEO

MinXray, Inc.

kkretchmer@minxray.com