A sustainable social business model for achieving universal health coverage

Abstract Issue Over 52% of the global population lack access to essential health services. This is disproportionately prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where underserved rural populations face geographical isolation, poor infrastructure, low & consistent incomes, and a shortage of healthcare manpower. To address this, reach52 utilises two interdependent approaches: (1) conducting public health campaigns (PHCs) supported by empowered community health workers (CHWs), in collaboration with local partners, and using an eHealth platform to execute and monitor outcomes, and (2) offers high-quality, low-cost generic medicine - bridging drug access gaps left by profit-driven producers. Description of the problem Globally, more than 52% of the population lacks access to essential health services, and over 2 billion do not have access to essential medicines. In India, reputable studies have reported that there is a USD$13.2 billion financial shortfall to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) - there is a need for financially sustainable solutions to improve health equity and outcomes. In 2024, reach52 operated across 12 states in India where it ran PHCs, trained CHWs, and distributed up to 52 generic medicines through over 269 distributors to over 30,000 pharmacy and physician sites across the country. Reach52 also reinvested 100% of its surplus revenue back into its business to run PHCs and maximise long-term societal impact. Results In 2024, funded through its sustainable social business model and in collaboration with local partners, reach52 trained over 120 CHWs, facilitated over 100,000 health education, screening, and clinic events with local partners, reaching over 4.9 million residents in India. Reach52 also provided affordable medicines to over 3 million rural residents. Reach52 plans to further scale this social business model through partnerships and contracting of in-country implementors, with a focus on expanding across 25 countries in Africa in 2025. Key messages • Reach52 presents a sustainable model for achieving universal health coverage. • Training community health workers instead of directly providing services empowers communities to improve their health.