Pfizer's Ghig Program Supports Efforts To Reduce Health Disparities In Asia

Globally, infectious diseases are responsible for an estimated 8.4 million deaths annually and are a leading cause of death worldwide, particularly among young children and marginalized populations in underserved communities. It is estimated that the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) now accounts for approximately 700,000 of these deaths. Without action, this number could reach ten million deaths per year by 2050 and could cost the world an estimated $100 trillion in lost productivity in the same amount of time. The World Health Organization (WHO) included AMR in its list of ten threats to global health in 2019.

- Ayesha Siddiqui

The Pfizer Foundation, a charitable organization established by Pfizer, has invested in 20 organizations from Africa, Asia and Latin America to help non-governmental organizations (NGOs), non-profits and social enterprises address critical health challenges related to infectious diseases, including the increasing threat of AMR. Recipients of the one-year Global Health Innovation Grants (GHIG) will each receive $100,000, for a total investment this year of $2 million by The Pfizer Foundation.

Since it’s launch in 2016, Pfizer claims that from the GHIG program 370,000 new patients have received care, 160,000 have been reached with screening and education, and 2,000 health workers have been trained. With the inclusion of this cohort of grants, total funding to date by the GHIG program totals $7.5 million.

“Mounting infectious disease outbreaks and the threat of large-scale antimicrobial resistance are increasingly becoming some of the most challenging global health needs of our time,” said Caroline Roan, President of The Pfizer Foundation. “We are dedicated to working with individuals and organizations in local communities as they rethink and scale innovative solutions to fight infectious diseases from the ground up, providing effective solutions to those patients most in need.”