Challenge:
Low-income communities in Sub-Saharan Africa struggle not only with limited access to healthcare, but also shortages of key resources like electricity and modern infrastructure to operate essential medical equipment. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed this vulnerability by increasing the need for ventilators.
Solution and Impact:
Financing through a Citi framework agreement is helping New York-based Gradian Health Systems, Inc. design, distribute and maintain medical equipment made for low-resource environments in Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Gradian makes mechanical ventilators and anesthesia machines that are specifically designed for safe and effective use in challenging settings that have limited access to electricity and medical oxygen. The equipment is built with long-duration battery power, and designed to be easy-to-operate and to function in high-heat, humidity, or dust environments. Gradian also provides training on operating the equipment.