China: join us on an extraordinary journey

In the late 1970s, as China emerged from the Cultural Revolution, PATH’s founders saw an urgent need: millions of people in the country needed modern contraceptives, reliable condoms, and the technologies to produce them. So our leaders founded the nonprofit organization that would become PATH, and reached out to China. The result was a unique, decadeslong partnership to improve lives worldwide.

What: PATH Journeys trip to China
When: April 9-17
Who: PATH’s CEO, staff, and you!

This year, we’ve created a landmark trip to the country that not only welcomed us decades ago, but went on to become a global leader in health innovation and development—providing safe and affordable vaccines, devices, and tools to families everywhere.

For a week this April, a small group of travelers will accompany PATH President and CEO Steve Davis on PATH’s popular, small-group Journeys travel program. We’ll meet our China-based staff and partners, see the nation’s breathtaking landmarks, and experience the country where 40 years of lifesaving innovation began.

“PATH’s China Journey goes beyond tourism,” says former US Ambassador to China and PATH board member, Gary Locke, “It’s a rare chance to get behind the scenes with a trusted global health leader and delve into the everyday practice and future implications of China’s expanding role in global health.”

Jenny Andrews coordinates the specialized tours and says they’re one of the best ways to connect with our global health work. “Together,” says Jenny, “PATH guests join staff right where they work—gaining unprecedented access to our partners and projects.”  Guests learn how PATH helps manufacture partners expand global access to vaccines and other critical products, tour the factories where lifesaving health products are made, and explore some of the nation’s most beautiful sights.

This is a particularly important moment in Chinese history, as the nation transitions from a country that once received support to one that is providing affordable vaccines, drugs, and devices to families worldwide.

“There is another reason our president and CEO is traveling with us on this trip,” Jenny adds. “His experience in China reaches back much further than his role at PATH.”  After earning a master’s degree in Chinese studies from the University of Washington, Steve studied at Beijing University, and worked extensively with refugee programs and policies, Chinese politics, and Chinese law. This lifelong connection to China sparked, and continues to fuel his enduring passion for health and health equity.

There is no better time to visit China—and no better way than with Journeys. More than a tour, the trip is a unique opportunity to feed your curiosity, deepen your global health expertise, and see the world in a new way.