What is PATH?

PATH is an international nonprofit organization that creates sustainable, culturally relevant solutions, enabling communities worldwide to break longstanding cycles of poor health.

What is PATH’s mission?

Our mission is to improve the health of people around the world by advancing technologies, strengthening systems, and encouraging healthy behaviors.

What does PATH stand for?

PATH stands for Program for Appropriate Technology in Health, but we now use simply the name PATH.

When was PATH founded?

PATH was founded in 1977 as PIACT, or the Program for the Introduction and Adaptation of Contraceptive Technology. We have been known as PATH since 1980. Learn more about the birth of PATH.

Does PATH take individual donations?

Yes! In fact, we depend on them. Learn why and find out how you can support PATH’s work.

Who funds PATH’s work?

In 2008, PATH's total revenue was more than US$187 million, provided by foundations, the United States government, other governments, multilateral agencies, corporations, and individuals. Project-specific foundation and government grants currently make up more than 90 percent of PATH’s operating budget. However, unrestricted funds provided by individuals and families are essential to the development of new solutions. Unrestricted funds allow us to explore opportunities, test new strategies, and develop early prototypes. Learn more about how you can support PATH’s work.

Where does PATH work?

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, we have more than 800 staff members and offices in 28 cities in 19 countries: Belgium, Cambodia, China, Côte d'Ivoire, France, Ghana, India, Kenya, Nicaragua, Peru, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, Vietnam, Zambia, and the United States. We work in more than 70 countries. Browse our work by region.

Where does PATH have offices?

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, PATH has offices in 30 cities in 20 countries: Belgium, Cambodia, China, Côte d'Ivoire, France, Ghana, India, Kenya, Nicaragua, Peru, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, Vietnam, Zambia, and the United States.

Is PATH relocating its Seattle headquarters?

Yes. We will relocate our headquarters office to a new location in Seattle’s South Lake Union district by January 2010. Our new home, at 2201 Westlake Avenue, will accommodate growth in both our programs and our staff.

Who does PATH work with?

Collaboration and partnerships are essential to the success and sustainability of our work. We collaborate extensively with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, UNFPA, government ministries, other nongovernmental organizations, foundations, and local groups in the communities we serve. We also form unique agreements with the private sector, ensuring that our technologies and strategies are available where needed.

What is PATH’s expertise?

Our staff provide expertise in public health; epidemiology; technology design, development, transfer, and introduction; immunodiagnostics and vaccine development; vaccine distribution systems; business development; education and training; communication; advocacy; and procurement.

Can PATH fund my nonprofit or program?

PATH is a nonprofit organization that does not grant funds to other programs or nonprofits.

Does PATH offer internships or volunteer opportunities? Does PATH need physician volunteers?

PATH does not have formal internships or volunteer opportunities, although such arrangements are occasionally made in conjunction with a particular project. We regret that we are unable to respond to general inquiries about volunteer opportunities.

Regarding physician volunteers, PATH does not provide clinical services in the United States nor abroad.

How do I learn more about working at PATH?

Please visit the employment and consulting section to learn more about working at PATH.

What is PATH Vaccine Solutions?

PATH Vaccine Solutions (PVS) is an affiliate of PATH that funds some projects conducted by PATH’s Vaccine Development Program. PVS is a nonprofit corporation with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and is a supporting organization of PATH. The PVS board of directors is chaired by PATH president and CEO Christopher J. Elias, MD, MPH.