Rapid Pivoting to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The document examines how several health-focused social enterprises quickly adapted to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded by The Pfizer Foundation, the report highlights four organizations working in low- and middle-income countries, each demonstrating innovative shifts in their healthcare delivery approaches to meet the needs of their communities during the crisis.

The 2020 MicroClinic Initiative (MCI) in Kenya, originally focused on workplace wellness programs aimed at expanding access to urinary tract infection (UTI) testing for low-wage workers, faced significant disruptions when the pandemic forced many workers to stay home. To adapt, MCI developed a door-to-door healthcare delivery service using local motorbike riders. This new model allowed the organization to continue providing essential services, including medication delivery and telemedicine, directly to workers' homes, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare access despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

In Colombia, Fundación Vive con Bienestar (Bive), which was initially working on reducing cervical cancer in rural areas through early screening and education, had to shift its focus due to the pandemic. With traditional outreach methods disrupted, Bive pivoted to COVID-19 education and prevention. Leveraging its strong relationships with local community leaders and farmers' associations, Bive disseminated information through radio, SMS, and other traditional channels while distributing prevention kits to rural communities. This approach allowed Bive to effectively reach its target population despite the challenges of limited internet access and social distancing measures.

THINKMD, a health technology platform, responded to the pandemic by developing a digital COVID-19 screening tool. Originally aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance by improving malaria diagnosis, THINKMD quickly adapted its technology to create a tool that could assess COVID-19 risks. Despite the challenges of scaling up rapidly, the tool was successfully deployed across multiple countries, providing critical support to healthcare workers in diagnosing and managing COVID-19 in various communities. These case studies collectively underscore the importance of agility, innovation, and strong community partnerships in effectively responding to public health crises.