Integrating microfinance and health strategies: examining the evidence to inform policy and practice

Abstract

Worldwide, current public health programmes and health systems are proving to be inadequate to meet population needs. The microfinance sector offers an underutilized opportunity for delivery of health-related services to many hard-to-reach populations.

“You Are Not Alone”Strategies for Addressing Mental Health and Health Promotion with a Refugee Women's Sewing Group

“…In addition to the resources provided by the CRS, promoting partnerships with microcredit organisations may decrease both internal and structural barriers by providing opportunity for income generation, employment, and social cohesion, all of which could improve the resettlement process. For decades, international microcredit organisations have simultaneously incorporated health education and health care access into their program designs (Leatherman et al, 2012). Members of the sewing group at the CRS may be primed to transition into microcredit businesses.…”

“…Microcredit is designed to improve income and build assets, thus decreasing economic inequalities and enhancing capacity for success. Leatherman, Metcalfe, Geissler, and Dunford (2012) have suggested that microcredit is an underutilised opportunity to improve health disparities. Having an accessible income-generating activity (IGA) can be both a protective health factor and socially empowering during the resettlement process.…”

International Issues: Microfinance in neurologic disorders

“…3 Overall, these studies show that (1) microfinance can help with the dissemination of health knowledge to loan recipients, and (2) microloans are feasible to deliver in the health care setting. 3 …”

“…MFIs can provide financial support while offering patient education, enabling access to health care, and building community capacity for health services and infrastructure. 3 A recent review summarizes studies that evaluate the effectiveness of MFIs in improving health care, with various levels of evidence ranging from observational studies to randomized trials. 3 Overall, these studies show that (1) microfinance can help with the dissemination of health knowledge to loan recipients, and (2) microloans are feasible to deliver in the health care setting.…”

“…8 Overcoming these barriers may require MFIs to be closely linked to established programs for people with disabilities, and provide concurrent vocational and business training. 8 As MFIs have the potential to impact health knowledge and behaviors, 3 addition of a health education component to microfinance initiatives may be strongly considered to fully take advantage of MFIs. The table summarizes several examples of application of microfinance initiatives to neurologic disorders.…”