Oral

Aid-funded project models have changed little over the past three decades, except that the technical assistance (dominated by consulting services rather than technology) is now more frequently provided by developing world professionals rather than Westerners. In contrast with this aid business-as-usual model, presenters on this invited panel will describe innovation through commercial and social entrepreneurship, working through the private sector at global and local levels, while collaborating with the public and non-profit sectors. Dr. Una Ryan, CEO of Diagnostics for All, will describe innovations in diagnostic development and how DFA combines for-profit and non-profit strategies to create an effective, flexible business model. The company has designed lightweight, durable and self-contained devices made of paper that are robust in severe environmental conditions, easy-to-use and easy-to-read, as well as reliable and safe. These devices, which will be introduced in developing countries, will be so inexpensive that they will allow consumers who cannot afford traditional diagnostic services access. Alison Hill, Managing Director of the Climate Business Unit for Vestergaard Frandsen, will explain how VF launched a ground-breaking initiative, LifeStraw® Carbon for Water™, which now provides safe drinking water to more than 4.5 million people in Western Kenya. By reducing the need to boil water for treatment Vestergaard Frandsen will earn back its investment through the sale of carbon credits, and the revenue generated will be reinvested in the program. This business model is both improving health while helping to reduce climate change. Dr. Victoria Hale, founder of both the first and second non-profit pharmaceutical companies in the United States will describe the impetus for and evolution of both. With a focus on the developing world, OneWorldHealth finds new uses for orphan drugs, partners with Big Pharma to discover new drug candidates, and works with biotech start-ups to apply the techniques of synthetic biology to create new sources of anti-malarial drugs. Medicines 360 uses an innovative business model and cross-subsidizes pricing to address the unmet needs of women worldwide.

Session Objectives: Describe 3 unique social entrepreneurship business models designed to bridge developed and developing world health markets, providing access to diagnostics, medicines, and safe drinking water. Explain a new low-cost technological approach to diagnostics. Explain a new approach to innovation in and access to medicines for women. Explain a new approach that provides safe water while trading for carbon credits. Discuss the benefits of a combined commercial-social approach to improving global health.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)