Making Healthcare Accessible
In the developing world, lack of access to affordable healthcare impacts economic opportunity, contributing to a vicious cycle that further reduces the standard of living of the poor.
Worldwide, 66% of all deaths in children are caused by diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, measles, malaria and perinatal illnesses. These deaths are preventable with both preventative and primary care services, but these remain financially and often physically out of reach for billions. Vision care, maternal care, and specialized services lag even further behind.
Epidemic diseases destroy the chances for development for entire
nations. There are an estimated 40 million people or more in the world
infected with HIV/AIDS, and the epidemic continues to grow. Only 1.6
million in low and middle-income countries are currently receiving
treatment.
Our Focus Areas
Our investments in this area seek to alter market dynamics in the healthcare landscape of the developing world by reducing costs and increasing access to previously unavailable products and services.
Cost Structures and Products: Issues of product costs for the poor. Modification of existing health products to allow for production at substantially lower cost. Development of new products using inexpensive, easily available materials.
Pricing Models: Financial accessibility of health products and services. Development of new, sustainable pricing schemes that use innovations such as cross-subsidies and micro-financing.
Delivery Systems: Issues of physical access and distribution coverage. Use of creative marketing and distribution mechanisms – including public-private partnerships and grassroots efforts – to bring critical goods and services to underserved areas.
Learn more about some of the businesses in our Health Portfolio that are leading the way to help solve these challenges.