The goal of NIH research is to acquire new knowledge to help prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat disease and disability, from the rarest genetic disorder to the common cold. NIH-supported scientists have made significant contributions toward improving the health of U.S. citizens. Examples of medical advances made possible by NIH research include the fact that mortality from heart disease, the number one killer in the U.S., decreased by 36 percent between 1977 and 1999. Death rates from stroke decreased by 50 percent during the same period, and better treatment and detection methods improved the five year survival rate for people with cancer to 60 percent. Despite the extraordinary progress that has been made against many diseases, serious health challenges still exist.
Infectious diseases pose a serious threat and require research on vaccines and treatments.
In addition to relieving patient suffering, research is needed to help reduce the enormous economic and social burdens posed by chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, cancer, heart disease, and stroke. The NIH mission is to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health for everyone. To build on the tremendous advances we have made in conquering and preventing disease, we must maintain the momentum in our medical research efforts. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House to make sure that we continue to invest in America's future by supporting NIH research.