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
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:
Addressing Global Maternal & Infant Mortality:
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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:
Vision for the Future:
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:
Impactful Takeaways:
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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!
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.
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.
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
BLK @ HLTH
Innovating for the Future: Pediatric Care Transformation in Medicaid
Register here using our code 24p_ht4m250 for $250 off your general attendee pass. Planning to attend? Let us know below!
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
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.
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!