WASHINGTON – On World Health Day, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) reaffirms its commitment to building a healthier world by investing in healthcare infrastructure and health services, health commodity manufacturing and supply chain, and digital health and health information in developing countries. Less than two years since the launch of DFC’s Global Health and Prosperity Initiative, DFC has approved and committed nearly $2 billion in new healthcare project investments worldwide, across 24 transactions.
DFC healthcare investments boost preparedness and resilience for future health crises, bolster treatment of infectious and non-communicable diseases, and expand access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and proper nutrition; all of which are essential components to building and maintaining healthy communities.
DFC investments also work to extend equitable and affordable healthcare to those who cannot access or afford it. Many of DFC’s clients and partners work to expand access to health services in rural and remote areas, build hospitals and health clinics to reach marginalized populations, and address the gap in quality care for women and children. DFC projects focused on health infrastructure and gender equity support the global care economy and contribute to the President’s Build Back Better World (B3W) Initiative. They also support DFC’s 2X Women's Initiative through which the Corporation invests in projects that are owned by women, led by women, or provide a product or service that empowers women.
Healthier communities are economically prosperous communities. From increasing capacity for vaccine production at a leading pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturer in India, to helping expand a woman-owned e-commerce business selling personal care products to women in Kenya and Rwanda, DFC investments are improving people’s lives and livelihoods while boosting local economies.
DFC has transformative health projects underway throughout Africa, the Middle East and Europe, Asia, and the Western Hemisphere. Key examples include:
Building healthcare infrastructure in Ecuador: A more than $18 million loan to Axxis Hospital--a private healthcare facility focused on providing state-of-the-art maternal and pediatric services in Quito, Ecuador--will support the expansion of the current 84-bed facility by an additional 68 beds.
Expanding vaccine manufacturing capacity in India: A $50 million loan to Biological E., Ltd is helping expand the company’s capacity to produce COVID-19 vaccines. The continued partnership will help bolster near-term COVID-19 response efforts and will also benefit long-term global health in India and throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Increasing access to healthcare products for women in Africa: A $1 million equity investment in Kasha Global Inc., an e-commerce company that provides women’s health and personal care products to customers in Rwanda and Kenya, supports Kasha’s innovative business model to help transform the personal care and health system supply chain in East Africa.
Facilitating long-term healthcare solutions in East Africa: A $5 million direct loan to Africa Healthcare Network (AHN), the largest operator of dialysis centers in East Africa, is expanding access to affordable, high-quality healthcare across Sub-Saharan Africa to help fight non-communicable diseases.
Expanding access to water and sanitation across the globe: A $100 million loan to WaterEquity’s Global Access Fund is enabling it to grow its impact and promote development outcomes. This catalytic financing is expected to enable at least five million people to access improved household water and sanitation, critical for community health, across Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
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U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology. DFC also provides financing for small businesses and women entrepreneurs in order to create jobs in emerging markets. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.