Pioneer in Direct Service Delivery Integrating Microfinance and Health

1

Women

Latin America

Integrated Approach

Pro Mujer

Serves more than 270,000 women and

their families

Operates in 5 countries

Runs more than 100 clinics with 160 health staff members

Pro Mujer’s Reach

What does it mean to be a female microentrepreneur?

• Work 6+ days a week from early in the morning until late at night

• Seated all day long

• Eat whatever food is available and at odd times

• A day away from work is a day without income

What does this mean for the women’s health?

No time for preventive health care

Consumption of street food

Sedentary Lifestyle

Puts women at high-risk for chronic disease

How does Pro Mujer deliver health?

• Education and counseling in monthly loan repayment meetings and Pro Mujer in-house clinic

• Scheduled yearly screening in loan repayment or disbursement (BMI & Blood Pressure)

• Primary health consults for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up in Pro Mujer offices where loan activity is as well

• Facilitate access to external services with preferential prices through Pro Mujer’s referral network

Barriers to the use of Health Services

PRICE

CONVENIENCE

OPPORTUNITY COST OF TIME

Health Service Model

Universal Component

• Training by Credit Officers • Basic Screening (BPM & BMI) • Counseling

Optional Package

• Paid with credit, savings, or cash • High Impact Preventive Services • Impactful Services with Commercial Draw

Fee for Service

• In-house or Third-Party • Competitive pricing • Clients or External

Screening Results

• Positive PAP smears (need follow up): 3.4% • Breast exams sent to referral: 1.8% • Positive glucose tests: 9%

• BMI: overweight 31%, obese 30% • Blood pressure measurement: 4.5%

Pro Mujer Consult Trend

2013- 3 months: 21,000

nutritional consults

Payment mechanisms through microfinance facilitate access

Packages can be High Demand and High Impact

• Package is popular

– 23% uptake in less than a year

– 80%+ satisfaction

• Package promotes preventive health and expands access to services

– 1,670 dental cleanings and fillings delivered

• Model is replicable and financially self-sustaining

– Already covers >50% (direct and indirect expenses)

– Full model operates in 2 sites- 7 by end of 2013

Conclusions

• Microfinance is powerful platform to reach at-risk populations

• Cross-subsidize to reach high coverage of preventative services

• Health financing and convenience are key

• More commercial offerings can expand reach and impact

www.promujer.org