In an insights-packed fortnight, Business Fights Poverty has released a new report; asked ‘Where Now?’ in our Virtual Summit; considered what business can do to increase vaccine uptake; and reflected on what digitisation, data and a crisis of trust in institutions might mean for the future.
New Insights Report: How can self-care help health systems rebuild better during COVID-19?
COVID-19 has placed enormous pressures on already fragile health systems. Developed with life sciences company Bayer, our new Insights Report explores how wider uptake of ‘self-care’ approaches can reduce pressure on strained health systems, improve vulnerable people’s health outcomes and empower individuals and communities in the process.
There are many ways to enhance self-care: from self-testing HIV kits in Kenya, to food fortification and micronutrient supplements, to telemedicine campaigns being led by US pharmacies and far more besides.
The report calls for digital first approaches, elevating the role of pharmacists, improving whole of government strategies and building a multi-stakeholder movement of actors to advance self-care.
You can hear more in our Spotlight Podcast with Daniella Foster VP & Global Head of Public Affairs, Bayer. In this interview, Daniella explains how self-care does not replace vital services, but should be seen as an essential part of the healthcare continuum. She also shares insights from the research, including how “self-care can potentially break the cycle of poverty.”
Catch up on the Rebuild Better Virtual Summit: Where Now?
As well as supporting self-care approaches, business can play a key role in supporting public uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. We explored both these issues during the Rebuild Better Virtual Summit: Where Now?
It was evident from the rich discussion that the private sector can do a huge amount to help find a way out of the current crisis and to tackle pressing social challenges, particularly when we engage with a transformative mindset.
As Desta Lakew, Global Director of Partnerships, Amref Health Africa, commented during our first webinar:
“Businesses want to deliver change. Businesses want to participate in what we’re doing. Businesses recognise that countries are hurting. Communities are hurting. And they’re actually joining us and leveraging all of their resources to support what we’re doing. What I have seen is that business has heart.”
You can watch highlights and access free resources from the day, including the full fireside chat with Jane Nelson, Director, Corporate Responsibility Initiative, Harvard Kennedy School, via the event page.
You can also access full recordings and written summaries of both our webinars, Understanding the Health Pathways out of the Pandemic and Understanding the critical role of mindsets in driving a just and regenerative future with a digital pass.
Gain new insights from our written content
Our written content has also highlighted some of the key issues and actions for businesses who want to support the vaccine roll-out:
We have also published reflections from our community on how the pandemic is shaping our future.
As we take on the huge social and environmental challenges ahead, data will play an ever-greater role:
Lastly, you can catch up on some of the work that Business Fights’ Poverty has collaborated on over the last six months, in Issue 6 of our Magazine, out now. It includes articles on how business is building back better with jobs, a guide to effective planning, collaborations between the agricultural and mining sectors, and more.