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Mobile Applications to Deliver Extension to Remote Areas

Why Not Add Health to Microfinance?!

In addition to being keenly aware of their financial bottom line, many microfinance institutions (MFIs) strive to uphold a social mission. These need not be mutually exclusive.

Adding health to microfinance speaks to the social mission, but can also improve client loyalty and competitive advantage, and be simple and low-cost. Some MFIs shy away from integrating health, as it sounds daunting and complex; however, there is no need for it to be.

Poverty Outreach of Selected MFIs in the Philippines

Health and Microfinance: Leveraging the Strengths of Two Sectors to Alleviate Poverty

Freedom from Hunger and five microfinance institutions (MFIs) from Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, India, and the Philippines tested whether MFIs could sustainably offer health-related services with positive health and social impacts for client. The health services ranged from education, health-financing (loans, savings and microinsurance), to linkages to health providers and health products.

Information as Power: Data Analytics

Health financing: A new role for microfinance institutions?

An innovative and scalable approach, health financing by microfinance institutions can expand existing health-financing options for the poor. We examined healthcare-seeking behavior, health costs and health-financing methods among microfinance clients in Bolivia, Benin and Burkina Faso. Health costs and lost productivity were substantial. Clients benefit from assistance, including health savings, health loans and health micro-insurance. Microfinance institutions offer advantages in developing health-financing options: global reach, expertise in loans and savings, and their mission to facilitate household financial stability. Health-financing products hold considerable potential but require careful design to optimize value and minimize risk to clients.

Double Bottom Line Business Case

Change Leadership Study

Fonkoze PPI Mini Case Study

Costs and Benefits of Microfinance Institutions Offering Health Protection Services to Clients