Research Article

HEALTH FINANCING: A NEW ROLE FOR MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS?

  1. Sheila Leatherman1,
  2. Kimberley Geissler1,*,
  3. Bobbi Gray2,
  4. Megan Gash2

Article first published online: 13 MAR 2012

DOI: 10.1002/jid.2829

Additional Information

How to Cite

Leatherman, S., Geissler, K., Gray, B. and Gash, M. (2012), HEALTH FINANCING: A NEW ROLE FOR MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS?. J. Int. Dev.. doi: 10.1002/jid.2829

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

  2. 2

    Freedom from Hunger, Davis, CA, USA

*Correspondence to: Kimberley Geissler, Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB 7411, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7411, USA.
E-mail: kgeissler@unc.edu

Publication History

  1. Article first published online: 13 MAR 2012
  2. Manuscript Accepted: 23 FEB 2012
  3. Manuscript Revised: 21 FEB 2012
  4. Manuscript Received: 3 JUN 2011

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Keywords:

  • microfinance;
  • health financing;
  • health costs;
  • global health

Abstract

An innovative and scalable approach, individual or small group health financing by microfinance institutions can expand existing options for the poor. We examined productivity losses, direct health costs and health financing methods among microfinance clients in Bolivia, Benin and Burkina Faso. Health costs and lost productivity for households were substantial. Microfinance institutions offer advantages in developing health financing options: global reach, expertise in loans and savings and their mission to facilitate household financial stability. Health financing products, including savings and loans, hold considerable potential to benefit clients but require careful design to optimise value and minimise risk. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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