HFI Rallies with Others to Institute Change in Davos, Geneva, and Beyond
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for more than 70 percent of all deaths and disabilities worldwide. The four largest groups of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, and diabetes which, together, account for most premature deaths. The lack of investment and financing in NCDs impacts population health and increases a nation’s risk of epidemics or pandemics. Every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) congregate prominent global political, business, and health leaders to solve the world’s most pressing crises, such as suboptimal financing for NCDs. In May 2022, both organizations hosted the World Health Assembly (WHA) and the Davos Forum, which prompted discussion and galvanized solutions to address complex global challenges ranging from climate change to health financing and social disparities.
“It was enlightening to hear from such compassionate and intelligent voices determined to make a difference in the world. Sparks flew in Davos, and I left feeling hopeful and energized for the future!”
—Dr. Andrea Feigl, founder and CEO of the Health Finance Institute
In Davos, members of the Health Finance Institute (HFI) embraced the mission of the annual event by delving into conversations and supporting other like-minded organizations such as the WHO Foundation, the Lombard Odier Group, the Female Quotient, and others. Dr. Andrea Feigl, the CEO and founder of HFI, not only participated in key conversations but also spoke on current issues in the global health space. Dr. Feigl, who once led the largest global longitudinal analysis of the political, social, and economic determinants of universal healthcare in 196 countries, was also a speaker along with Patrick Odier and Dr. Maximilian Martin of Lombard Odier Group and others at the Davos luncheon event, “Toward a New Humanitarian Response that Can Mobilize the Capital Needed.” Dr. Feigl stated at the event, “I was grateful for the opportunity to discuss joint responsibility and health system readiness. I continue to be humbled by an ever-supportive and tireless team at HFI and am inspired by many other meaningful connections on this journey towards better health and wealth for all.”
“Although the world is facing many crises, I am filled with hope and gratitude for the inspiration, support, and depth of discussions that were had and the in-person connections made, new and old,” said Feigl, who was a researcher at Harvard Chan School of Public Health and a health economist with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) before diving into her own venture.
With the energy of Davos still radiating, the group of changemakers at HFI continues to work towards forging increasingly sustainable and collaborative solutions to maximize health and financial impact across the globe.
During the Female Quotient Equality Lounge, HFI was joined by Katja Iversen and Dr. Monika Puri, to address key issues on global equity and the pandemic’s impact on amplifying disparities among underserved communities, people of color, women, as well as people with underlying chronic diseases. Panelists discussed different solutions to closing the gaps and steering industries toward a more equitable future. Subsequently, Dr. Feigl joined a roundtable as part of the WHO’s Goals House event, which was focused on impact investment in global health and transforming for the future by balancing sustainability and profit. Discussions revolved around COVID-19’s effect on private capital flows in global health, the intersection of ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) and Health, stakeholder activism, and much more.
On the occasion of the 75th World Health Assembly (WHA), HFI organized a breakfast event with over 100 participants to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, NCD financing impasses, impact, and innovative finance solutions, as well as success stories on the journey towards SDG 3. While in Geneva, Dr. Feigl spoke at the World Heart Summit (WHS) where she addressed the topic, “Are health systems fit for purpose?” A formidable group of experts, including Feigl, discussed perspectives from different health systems on various payment and reimbursement models and the methods required to create enabling policy change and financial environments for cardiovascular health.
On May 22, the Access to Oncology Medicines Coalition (ATOM) was launched to aid low-and lower-middle-income countries to access more essential cancer medicines. HFI is partnering with ATOM to change lives with the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and nearly 30 other partners.
“We are excited to collaborate across the sectors as we work at the intersection of health and wealth,” said Feigl as she announced the launch.
Since the launch of HFI, Dr. Feigl and her team have been solutions-oriented. By analyzing and translating evidence, they catalyze investments toward the world’s largest health conditions, with a focus on underserved populations. To maximize health and financial impacts, they partner directly with implementers, funders, and financial institutions to develop tailored, sustainable, and collaborative financing solutions. Energized by the conversations at Davos, the group of changemakers continues to work towards forging increasingly sustainable and collaborative solutions to maximize health and financial impact across the globe.
