PATH began in 1977 with the work of three health researchers in Seattle, working from $92,000 of seed money to improve contraceptive technologies in Southeast Asia.

Recognizing that public health needs in developing countries reached far beyond contraception, the organization expanded its mission in 1980 and adopted the name Program for Appropriate Technology in Health—or PATH as it is now known.

Today, PATH focuses on improving the health of people around the world by advancing technologies, strengthening systems, and encouraging healthy behaviors. The organization works in more than 70 countries, operates offices in 34 cities in 23 countries, and employs more than 1,100 staff. PATH is renowned for taking an entrepreneurial approach to developing and delivering high-impact, low-cost global health solutions, from lifesaving vaccines and devices to collaborative programs with communities.

From modest origins emerged a state-of-the-art laboratory and product development facility, where more than 85 cutting-edge technologies have been created or are in development. Among these are safe vaccine vial monitors to warn of spoiling (more than 3.2 billion used); single-use, autodisposable syringes (more than 6 billion distributed); and the Uniject autodisposable injection system (more than 76 million used). With its partners, PATH has developed a safe and affordable vaccine for meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa and is pursuing new vaccines for malaria, pneumonia, rotavirus, and other diseases.

PATH empowers people to achieve their full potential. The organization currently works in the areas of health technologies, maternal and child health, reproductive health, vaccines and immunization, and emerging and epidemic diseases. Bringing new ideas and technologies to the toughest global health challenges, PATH is having a profound impact on the health and quality of life of millions of men, women, and children throughout the world.