A Staggering Problem
The facts are staggering.

Twenty-five thousand people die EVERY DAY in developing countries for lack of basic medicines that cost less than one dollar.

Fully 70% of childhood illnesses in the developing world, and more than three million of their deaths, are estimated to be caused by a short list of diseases easily treatable with low cost drugs.

Malaria alone accounts for 25% of all childhood deaths in Africa. The cost of treating and curing Malaria: less than $2.

With 98% of all deaths in children younger than 15 years occurring in developing countries, it is evident that action is needed.

A Broken Distribution System

While over 70% of Sub-Sahara Africans live in rural areas, 90% of their health care facilities are located in urban areas. In the rural and peri-urban areas, children and adults most typically die because they do not have access to medical care, rather than from an inability to pay. Over 60% of essential drugs do not reach 40% of the population.

The vast majority of diseases found in rural areas are easily treatable. The key to reversing the huge medical crisis facing Africa, and especially its children, is the creation of an effective distribution system.

Massive Economic Toll

The World Bank estimates that malaria costs Africa more than $12 billion US yearly in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. This is roughly equivalent to all the aid provided to Africa each year.

Traditional approaches to health reform have left rural Africa behind. Innovative partnerships are needed to overcome the scourge of easily treatable diseases which prevent millions from leading productive lives.

The Private Opportunity

Reducing the incidence of communicable diseases and improving reproductive health remain essential priorities for the World Health Organization, non-governmental organizations, and many African governmental health bodies. But developing effective private sector distribution channels is also crucial because most Ghanaians, and Africans throughout the continent, prefer private healthcare.

Privately owned and operated, MicroClinic is well positioned to serve rural communities. As a partner with Ghana's National Health Insurance, which provides reimbursement for drugs and services, MicroClinic can effectively meet the needs of the country's rural poor.