This Organization Employs Local Women to Deliver Medical Supplies
Katherine Pendrill — November 5, 2015 — Social Good
References: livinggoods.org & fastcoexist
'Living Goods' is employing local women in Uganda to deliver medical supplies to rural villages. Although diseases such as malaria are treatable, many children still die from the illness each day. This organization is using a network of local agents to sell drugs and other medical supplies door-to-door.
For many years, cosmetics companies such as Avon have used the door-to-door method to sell their products. Living Goods has adopted the same model to deliver medical supplies to rural villages and remote clinics. The company relies on a network of agents and locals from the area to sell medicine. Although the medical supplies that the agents deliver are not free, they are cheaper than what is found in local stores. The Living Goods system also protects against the possibility of counterfeit drugs.
Although the program is still fairly new, a group of researchers at MIT found that the door-to-door deliveries helped reduce the death of young children by 27 percent.
For many years, cosmetics companies such as Avon have used the door-to-door method to sell their products. Living Goods has adopted the same model to deliver medical supplies to rural villages and remote clinics. The company relies on a network of agents and locals from the area to sell medicine. Although the medical supplies that the agents deliver are not free, they are cheaper than what is found in local stores. The Living Goods system also protects against the possibility of counterfeit drugs.
Although the program is still fairly new, a group of researchers at MIT found that the door-to-door deliveries helped reduce the death of young children by 27 percent.
Trend Themes
1. Door-to-door Medical Supply Delivery - The adoption of the door-to-door sales model for delivering medical supplies to rural areas presents opportunities for increased accessibility and affordability.
2. Employing Local Agents for Health Services - Utilizing local women as agents to deliver medical supplies in rural villages can not only provide employment opportunities but also bridge the gap in access to healthcare.
3. Countering Counterfeit Drugs - Implementing a system like Living Goods protects against counterfeit drugs, ensuring the safe delivery of quality medications to remote clinics and communities.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can explore the utilization of door-to-door delivery systems to reach underserved populations and improve medical supply accessibility.
2. Pharmaceuticals - Pharmaceutical companies can identify opportunities to partner with local agents and organizations like Living Goods to expand their distribution networks and combat counterfeit drugs.
3. Social Enterprise - The social enterprise sector can support initiatives that employ local women as agents, combining social impact with the delivery of essential healthcare services.
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