Global Insights, Local Impact: Charting a New Course

Global Insights, Local Impact: Charting a New Course

Sometimes, to look forward, we must look around. Last year, surrounded in the room with health ministers at the OECD High Level Policy Health Ministerial Meeting, I engaged in deep discussions about the resilience of health systems amid global uncertainties. These conversations, ripe with urgency and mutual understanding, highlighted the critical gaps and innovative strides in healthcare across countries. Such interactions not only enrich my perspective but invigorate our mission at HealthTech 4 Medicaid (HT4M).

The recent release of the Commonwealth Fund's 2024 Mirror, Mirror report during this global time is serendipitous, underscoring themes of equity and preparedness that resonate deeply with our goals at HT4M. The report revealed that countries excelling in healthcare equity, like Germany and Australia, have successfully implemented systems where the ability to pay does not hinder access to necessary healthcare services. These insights are not just academic; they are blueprints for action.

Inspired by these models, HT4M has been aggressively expanding its international policy footprint. This follows our past few years investment in the global ecosystem.  Our participation in global forums and forging partnerships with organizations like HLTH Europe, which we attended in June, and the Commonwealth Fund, is more than just about dialogue—it's about actionable change.

At HLTH Europe, we encountered health tech innovators transforming with the same mission, under resourced communities and overlooked populations—with innovations desperately needed across the globe. These engagements are foundational, sowing the seeds for transformative projects that HT4M aims to cultivate back home.

Equipped with these global insights, HT4M is dedicated to reshaping how healthcare is delivered to underserved populations globally. We are advocating for policies that prioritize healthcare equity, preparing our systems for unpredictability with lessons learned from abroad, and measuring our progress with a keen eye on equity and efficiency.

This journey of transformation is not a solitary one. It belongs to every healthcare provider, policy maker, and community worker who stands by the belief that better is attainable and that justice in healthcare is fundamental. I invite you to join us as we apply these global lessons to the heart of American healthcare, ensuring that every individual, regardless of where they live, has access to the care they deserve.

Let us take these lessons from the world stage and apply them with the unyielding spirit of change agents like John Lewis, who famously questioned, "If not us, then who? If not now, then when?" Together, let’s bridge the gap between what is and what can be for healthcare across the world. With warmest regards,

Adimika Arthur


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Fostering International Dialogue on the Promise of  Health Innovation & Technologies for Health Equity


The pursuit of health equity represents one of the most formidable challenges confronting the global healthcare system today. In an era marked by rapid advancements in health technologies and innovations, the promise of universally accessible and high-quality healthcare remains unfulfilled for vast segments of the global population. This disparity is not merely a matter of technological access but is deeply rooted in systemic inequities, including socio-economic conditions and pervasive racial disparities.

The World Health Organization, in its 2021 report "Digital Health Technology: For a Healthier World," highlighted the critical role of health innovations in transforming healthcare access and quality. Yet, as research from Johns Hopkins University points out, without a careful, inclusive approach to the deployment of these innovations, there is a real risk that they may exacerbate rather than diminish the health equity gap, underscoring an issue fundamentally anchored in justice.

Despite notable efforts from a spectrum of organizations and research bodies aimed at addressing these disparities, a significant void remains in catalyzing a global, multidisciplinary dialogue that can unite diverse stakeholders around shared objectives and innovative solutions. HealthTech 4 Medicaid (HT4M), with support from The Commonwealth Fund, recently had the opportunity to host three panel discussions at the HLTH Europe conference on June 17th, 2024. The conference, which gathered over 3,500 attendees and health leaders from more than 50 countries, provided HT4M with a unique, international platform to explore innovative solutions, exchange best practices, and develop policies aimed at achieving universal coverage and equitable healthcare for all, regardless of geographic location. Find more details on each panel below.  


HT4M is working to close healthcare gaps by fostering international collaboration and open dialogue. We're focused on turning the potential of health innovations into real solutions that benefit communities around the world. With support from The Commonwealth Fund, we're committed to making health equity a reality through the power of technology.

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Key Insights from HT4M's HLTH Europe Panels


Birthing Health in a Transforming World: Navigating Challenges and Harnessing Innovations

Panelists:

Panel Summary: "Birthing Health in a Transforming World: Navigating Challenges and Harnessing Innovations" underscored the need to dismantle structural barriers, invest in community-based support systems, and harness the potential of technology to create a more equitable and effective birthing healthcare landscape. By focusing on collaboration, understanding the historical context of maternal health outcomes, and empowering birthing people and their communities, we can drive meaningful progress and ensure better health outcomes for birthing people and infants worldwide.

Key Highlights:

  • Focusing on Survival & Well-Being: Rachel emphasized the crucial need to ensure both the survival and well-being of birthing people and infants. She advocated for integrating doulas and midwives into the healthcare process, as their support and expertise can significantly improve health outcomes for prenatal, birthing, and postpartum experiences.
  • Driving Technological Advancements & Innovative Approaches: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of innovative technology in birthing care, enabling broader reach and accessibility, particularly for underserved and rural communities. Zayna pointed to several innovative solutions in rural parts of Canada, like the use of remote robotic ultrasounds and the training of community members in sonography. These solutions have the potential to address structural racism and geographic challenges for vulnerable Indigenous populations.
  • Democratizing Access & Building Trust: Melinda emphasized that democratizing access to technology and innovations is crucial for addressing health disparities in birthing health, as it ensures equitable access to advanced care solutions. Laura highlighted the importance of peer-to-peer connections and community support in overcoming healthcare distrust. Together, these approaches can bridge gaps in care and foster supportive networks, empowering marginalized communities to access essential maternal health services.

Addressing Global Maternal & Infant Mortality:

  • Comprehensive Education: On a global level, it is crucial to destigmatize conversations around maternal health, raise awareness about disparities in maternal health outcomes, and reclaim the birthing experience for birthing people through community-based support.
  • Policy Goals: Dr. Nwando emphasized the necessity for policymakers and key stakeholders to rebuild trust within communities to effectively address health inequities in maternal and infant mortality.
  • Collaboration & Learning: Innovative and collaborative efforts that center on the lived experiences of community members are crucial for addressing global trends in maternal and infant mortality. By guiding others and providing effective care, these approaches can significantly impact and improve health outcomes.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT - EMAIL info@ht4m.org


Uniting Partners & Shaping Policies for Resilient Global Health

Panelists:

Panel Summary: "Uniting International Partners & Shaping Policies for Resilient Global Health" sparked a dynamic conversation on the convergence of health innovation, equity, and technology. The panel tackled the pressing need for healthcare systems to adapt and build resilience. Looking forward, the panel called for clearer digital health regulations, a strengthened health workforce, and enhanced global cooperation to ensure a more equitable and inclusive healthcare future.

Transforming Health Systems:

  • Facing New Normals: Post-COVID-19 and amid global mega-trends like climate change and major demographic shifts, Dr. Horn highlighted the ongoing strain on health systems and called for a movement towards sustainable resilience.
  • Rethinking Healthcare Models: Dr. Unger advocated for moving from a reactive "sickness care" approach to a proactive "health care" system that anticipates and addresses future needs. 
  • Shaping Anticipatory Governance: The panel emphasized the importance of advancing workforce skills, developing robust data systems, and implementing innovative models to tackle upcoming health challenges. With innovation often outpacing policy, there is a need for collaborative efforts to ensure equitable care around the globe.

Vision for the Future:

  • Cross-Sector Collaboration: The discussion highlighted the power of partnering with communities to create transparent and equitable solutions, building resilient health systems that prioritize patient needs. By sharing best practices and working across borders, we can create a more effective, resilient, and adaptable global health system.
  • Technology as a Bridge: In leveraging innovative health technologies, we can connect underserved communities with critical resources and care, fostering a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system. This approach not only enhances access but also ensures that advancements in health technology contribute to a global movement towards improved health outcomes for all. 

VIEW THE RECORDING


Catalyzing Global Health Innovation: The Power of Cross-Border Professional Networks

Panelists:

Panel Summary: "Catalyzing Global Health Innovation: The Power of Cross-Border Professional Networks" discussed the transformative power of international dialogue and professional networks in driving healthcare innovation. The panel highlighted the challenges and successes of these networks to catalyze global health innovation, stressing the importance of collaboration, inclusivity, and equitable approaches.

Key Insights on Creating Global Networks:

  • Driving Inclusive Access:  Democratizing cross-border networks is essential for effective global health collaboration, ensuring inclusive access and representation. Panelists raised that overcoming language, cultural, and financial barriers, for example,  is crucial to include traditionally excluded populations and fostering a more equitable healthcare ecosystem.
  • Promoting Equitable & Inclusive Design: Professional networks must be built on trust and promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people, ensuring that every voice is heard and represented. This approach fosters genuine collaboration and innovation, allowing for tailored solutions that address the unique needs of diverse populations.
  • Establishing Peer Support & Personal Development: Creating dedicated time and spaces for personal growth and peer support is essential. This approach enriches individual perspectives and drives collective conversation, harnessing diverse experiences to foster innovation in healthcare.

Impactful Takeaways:

  • Investing in Long-Term Relationships: The panel emphasized the importance of cultivating enduring connections across various sectors. Prioritizing these relationships helps create a collaborative ecosystem that drives inclusive innovation, fostering cross-sectoral growth and transformative advancements in healthcare over the long term.
  • Leverage Diverse Perspectives: Cross-border professional networks can act as powerful catalysts for global health innovation. By harnessing diverse perspectives and creating robust, interconnected networks, these collaborations bridge gaps between populations, facilitating the exchange of ideas and solutions that benefit global healthcare advancements.

VIEW THE RECORDING


Shaping Future Policies In Global Health


These panel insights collectively advocate for a transformative approach to shaping future health policies, emphasizing resilience, proactive care, cross-sector collaboration, technology integration, and inclusive innovation. To build resilient health systems that can withstand future crises, we must advocate for health policies that are equitable, effective, and sustainable, ultimately improving global health outcomes. Together, we can build a future where health systems are resilient, inclusive, and prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow! Engage with policymakers, participate in community health initiatives, and support innovative projects that align with these goals.  

Partner with HT4M to Shape the Future of Global Health! Email us at info@ht4m.org


The Commonwealth Fund Harkness Fellowship: Promoting International Dialogue and Exchange to Improve Health Care Around the World


The Commonwealth Fund 's International Program serves as a source for international insights (subscribe to their newsletter here!) that can spur change in U.S. health care. The Harkness Fellowship is a key pillar of this work, and is open to individuals with a wide range of backgrounds who are committed to advancing health policy and practice. It offers participants a unique opportunity to spend a fully funded year in the United States conducting an internationally comparative project on a topic of their choice, honing their leadership skills through customized seminars and trainings, and building a robust network for international exchange and collaboration. The Harkness Fellowship team was excited to partner with HT4M to reach an international audience at the first ever HLTH Europe. Reggie Williams (VP, International Program) and Molly Fitzgerald (Director, Harkness Fellowship), along with Harkness Senior Fellows (alumni) from around the world, gathered in Amsterdam to participate in two panel discussions at the conference and attend a networking event at the Twenty Third Bar (this view of the city comes highly recommended!). The networking event gave prospective applicants a chance to experience the Harkness Fellowship community firsthand and feel the passion of this diverse group of individuals dedicated to advancing health care globally.

Caption: Harkness Community Event in Amsterdam (pictured L to R) Adimika Arthur (CEO & Executive Director, HT4M), Zainab Garba-Sani (2022-23 UK Harkness Fellow), Molly Fitzgerald (Director of the Harkness Fellowship, CMWF), Reggie Williams (VP of the International Program, CMWF), Lucy Orr-Ewing (2023-24 UK Harkness Fellow), and Maike Tietschert (2017-18 Dutch Harkness Fellow).

Applications for the 2025-26 Harkness Fellowship are being accepted until November 1, 2024. If you meet the following criteria, we encourage you to apply!

  • Live and work in one of the following countries: Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, or the United Kingdom.
  • Show promise as a policy-oriented health care leader. 
  • Have demonstrated expertise in health policy and/or care delivery.
  • Propose a project focused on creating policy or system-level change.  
  • Have the relevant education and/or work experience to carry out the proposed project and take full advantage of the fellowship experience.  

If you have questions about the program, including eligibility, please contact Molly FitzGerald: mf@cmwf.org  


Looking for more international insights from Harkness Fellows and The Commonwealth Fund? Dive into their latest global healthcare insights newsletter: "Drug Price Negotiations: Learnings from the Harkness Fellowship," published on September 16, 2024. Norwegian health economist and 2023–24 Harkness Fellow Iselin Dahlen Syversen's comparative analysis of how eight countries negotiate drug prices reveals valuable lessons for the U.S. healthcare system. With the Inflation Reduction Act empowering Medicare to negotiate prices for the first time, Syversen’s research highlights strategies like health technology assessments and early price negotiations that could lead to more affordable drug access in the United States.

Read the Latest International Insights Newsletter


Mirror, Mirror 2024: A Portrait of the Failing U.S. Health System — Comparing Performance in 10 Nations 

The U.S. health care system is failing to keep Americans healthy, ranking last in a new Commonwealth Fund report that compares health and health care in 10 countries. U.S. performance is particularly poor when it comes to health equity, access to care, efficiency, and health outcomes. “The U.S. continues to be in a class by itself in the underperformance of its health care sector,” say the study’s authors, who call for policymakers and health care leaders to learn from other countries’ experiences and act.   

Read the Full Report Here


JOIN HT4M @ HLTH 2024


Join us at HLTH 2024 in Las Vegas as HT4M leads the conversation on Medicaid innovation and equity! We're excited to host three impactful sessions:

Venture Opportunities in Medicaid's Safety Net

  • Date: Sunday, October 20
  • Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Description: Dive into the untapped potential of Medicaid’s safety net in this intimate session tailored for investors. Discover how to merge financial returns with social impact by exploring the Medicaid ecosystem, learning from success stories, and discussing strategies for building trust and managing risk. This session is essential for venture capitalists, private equity investors, and healthcare innovators eager to pioneer equitable healthcare solutions while achieving significant returns.

BLK @ HLTH

  • Date: Monday, October 21
  • Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Description: BLK in Health is more than just a community—it's a movement of Black professionals within the healthcare innovation ecosystem. Join us as we come together to harness our collective power and drive transformative change in our communities. This session will focus on identifying strategic opportunities to leverage our expertise and make a tangible impact on Black equity in healthcare.

Innovating for the Future: Pediatric Care Transformation in Medicaid

  • Date: Tuesday, October 22
  • Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Description: Explore the cutting edge of pediatric innovation in Medicaid in this forward-looking session. We will discuss emerging models and technologies that promise to reshape pediatric care, as well as the challenges and opportunities for scaling these innovations to ensure better health outcomes for all children served by Medicaid.

Register here using our code 24p_ht4m250 for $250 off your general attendee pass.   Planning to attend? Let us know below!

Let us know if you're attending HLTH 2024


Save the Date! The Future of Medicaid Innovation Forum 2025

Join HealthTech 4 Medicaid for our signature annual event! The Future of Medicaid Innovation Forum is taking place on January 14th, 2025, 9 AM - 12 PM PST! Now in its eighth year, this event will bring together leading innovators to tackle the latest issues, challenges, and market solutions at the intersection of health equity and tech equity. The Future of Medicaid Innovation Forum is designed to foster an interactive dialogue among various health tech and healthcare stakeholders, focusing on actionable steps to drive meaningful change in the Medicaid ecosystem. Featured speakers will discuss advancements in health equity and Medicaid, addressing the critical needs to eliminate barriers to technology, healthcare, and funding, thereby improving the lives of Medicaid recipients and other vulnerable populations. Mark your calendars and join us for a transformative discussion! Details: 📆 Date: January 14th, 2025 ⏰ Time: 9am - 12pm PST 🏫 Location: San Francisco  

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Register now! HLTH Europe 2025

We’re thrilled to announce that registration is now open for HLTH Europe 2025! From June 16-19, 2025, HT4M will return to Amsterdam to champion global health innovation and collaboration. As a key event in the healthcare industry, HLTH Europe is the perfect platform for exploring cutting-edge advancements and forging connections across the international health ecosystem. Stay tuned for updates on our exclusive programs, speaker sessions, and networking opportunities that will showcase our commitment to driving forward the future of Medicaid and health equity. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience.  

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Expand your HT4M experience! Stay engaged with our dynamic community and never miss out on HT4M events and opportunities.

Join us as we continue to shape the future of Medicaid, together! 

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