Synopsis
What drives health innovations to grow and scale successfully in low- and middle-income countries? This report explores the growth journeys of organizations funded by the Pfizer Foundation's Global Health Innovation Grant (GHIG) program, revealing critical insights for funders and innovators alike.
What We Studied
Through in-depth interviews with 13 grantees who participated in GHIG for three to six years, we examined the key enablers and barriers these organizations faced as they worked to expand innovative health solutions across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Key Findings
Health System Relationships Matter: The structure of local health systems and partnerships with Ministries of Health significantly impact an innovation's ability to grow and achieve sustainability.
Flexible Funding is Critical: While funding amount and duration are important, flexibility in how funds can be used emerged as one of the strongest enablers of growth. Flexible funding allows organizations to pivot when needed, test new ideas, and support essential but often underfunded activities like business development and marketing.
Adaptability Drives Success: Innovations that can adapt to user feedback and local contexts, along with having the right staff with necessary skills, are better positioned for sustained growth and implementation.
Why It Matters
In a world with significant health disparities, understanding what helps innovations succeed is essential. This analysis provides actionable insights for funders on how to better support health innovators and for organizations seeking to scale their impact in global health.
Published: November 2022
Author: Kate Crissman, Innovations in Healthcare
Research Method: Qualitative analysis of 13 semi-structured interviews with long-term GHIG grantees