January 23, 2018

Improving access to healthcare, especially in regions with fewer resources, requires powerful partnerships that include local players who deeply understand the culture and needs of the population, while tapping into local entrepreneurship. One innovation built on these fundaments is Philips’ Community Life Centers (CLC) program that Philips is deploying across the African continent. 

This program converts both new and existing health facilities across Africa into sustainable social and economic community hubs – enabling basic access to healthcare and promoting economic activity in the region. 

“The issues around primary care in Africa are very complicated and multifaceted,” explains Jasper Westerink, CEO of Philips Africa. “Challenges include a lack of qualified healthcare workers, medical equipment being out of service, a lack of electricity, water and basic healthcare technology. You need to build locally relevant, robust innovations. Our solar powered outreach kit for community health workers is one of the results from working with local community members on tackling these challenges.” 

Technology reporter Monty Monfurd recently visited the Philips CLC program in Africa, spoke with the community health workers using the outreach kit on a daily basis, and wrote an article for BBC News on the impact of this innovation aimed at improving access to primary care under the world’s most challenging conditions. 

“Meet the 'backpack midwife' bringing healthcare for all”

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42188809