A SANT Committee delegation led by MEP Ignazio Marino visited Washington and Pittsburgh in the United States between 26 and 28 May.

It was the first official visit to the United States of the European Parliament’s Committee on Public Health (SANT), since its establishment as a full committee in January 2025. Within the broader framework of transatlantic relations, this three-day mission provided an opportunity to engage with the Committee’s counterparts in the U.S. Congress, reinforcing shared commitment to addressing pertinent health challenges.

The delegation has engaged in constructive discussions with representatives of the Senate’s Committee on Health, Education, Labour, and Pensions (HELP) and the House’s Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. 

These exchanges highlighted the critical role of collaboration in tackling pressing health issues that affect both Europe and the United States.

Throughout this mission, the delegation focused on key priorities aligned with the SANT work programme, including:

• Access to market of medicines, ensuring equitable availability and affordability of innovative treatments.
• Prevention and management of non-communicable and chronic diseases, which pose an increasing burden on healthcare systems both in the United States and the European Union Member States.
• Healthcare workforce challenges, where we have engaged with leading organisations such as the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) to explore sustainable solutions.
• Building international alliances to help prevent and respond to pandemics.

In Pittsburgh, the delegation visited the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), a world leader in transplantation and regenerative medicine. UPMC’s Transplant Services are renowned for their groundbreaking work in organ transplantation, while their pioneering research in regenerative medicine, including the development of artificial tissues, and bioengineered materials, could significantly reduce reliance on donor organs. 

The visit presented a unique opportunity to explore the future of transplantation medicine and to inform the development of robust, forward-looking EU policies in this field, with MEPs particularly keen to learn from UPMC’s expertise.

Leading the delegation, MEP Ignazio Marino (Greens/EFA, IT) said: “Reflecting on the achievements of this mission, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening transatlantic partnerships in public health. The insights gained will be instrumental in shaping evidence-based policies that deliver tangible benefits for citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.”

The SANT delegation to the US was composed of six members: Ignazio Marino (Greens/EFA, IT), chair of the delegation, Alessandra Moretti (S&D, IT), Ruggero Razza (ECR, IT), Valentina Palmisano (The Left, IT), András Kulja (EPP, HU) and Valérie Deloge (PfE, FR).

09.06.2026.