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Survey:
Strengthening Health Systems a Crucial Investment Over the Next Decade

Strengthening the systems that provide health products and care is the most critical investment in global health, according to international survey results released today by Devex and global health organizations PSI and PATH.Of the 1,500 international health development experts polled in the survey, 63 percent believe that strengthening health systems is a crucial investment over the next five to 10 years. The survey also found that 60 percent of respondents rated improving service delivery systems — or getting health care to people who need them — as a top priority for achieving stronger health systems.

By Mike Hower | Published 12 years ago | About a 2 minute read

Of the 1,500 international health development experts polled in the survey, 63 percent believe that strengthening health systems is a crucial investment over the next five to 10 years. The survey also found that 60 percent of respondents rated improving service delivery systems — or getting health care to people who need them — as a top priority for achieving stronger health systems.

Devex conducted the survey in partnership with PSI and PATH to highlight smart investments that have the greatest impact on global health needs. The findings provide insight into the minds of those who work on the front lines in meeting the greatest global health challenges.

Using innovation to solve global health challenges emerged as another important theme in the survey; the findings showed that investing in research and development was considered the smartest investment option for supporting innovation. The private sector was identified as a leading source for innovative technology solutions.

“Experts in our field agree that innovation has the power to transform health care and reduce poverty as we know it, but without steady funding we cannot tap its potential,” said Steve Davis, President and CEO of PATH. “Investing in innovation enables creative ideas to emerge and evolve into health care solutions that can save lives now and in the future.”

“Investing in global health creates a more stable and secure world for us all by providing basic health care and services to people around the world,” said Karl Hofmann, president and CEO of PSI. “As private, public and nonprofit sectors think about how to best use their resources for the greatest global health care results, Impact magazine’s ‘Best Buys’ issue will help them make the right choices.”

The private sector is taking more and more independent action to improve public health. In February, CVS Caremark announced that it will stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products at its more than 7,600 stores across the US by October 1, 2014. It is the first action of its kind by a national pharmacy chain. CVS also regularly educates customers through its Project Health Events, where individuals can receive free health screenings to check blood pressure, body mass index, glucose, total cholesterol and even receive oral or dental care. Last October and November, CVS held several events aimed at helping customers make sense of their healthcare coverage options under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Mike Hower

Founder, Hower Impact

Mike Hower is the founder of Hower Impact — a boutique consultancy delivering strategic communication advisory and support for corporate sustainability, ESG and climate tech.

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Mike Hower