Op-ed: How investors can bolster global health equity while generating long-term value

Despite continuous medical progress, billions of people in LMICs still face difficulties in accessing even fundamental healthcare products, not to mention the latest innovations. Amidst this, companies feel growing pressure to prioritise global health equity and adopt sustainable practices as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations gain significance in investment decisions. 

Iyer discusses how the Foundation aids investors in shaping their investment processes and stewardship practices to reflect the Foundation’s access-to-medicines insights. The Foundation oversees the largest group of health-focused investor signatories, assisting them with participating in critical dialogue with companies regarding access issues. By citing examples, Iyer illustrates how investors can promote genuine change within companies, driving leadership to enhance the availability and affordability of essential medicines and treatments. 

Iyer also points out how the COVID-19 pandemic drew attention to the severe inequities in vaccine distribution and highlighted the importance of individuals around the world having access to medicine. She emphasises the influential role of investors in holding companies accountable by referencing specific instances in which they were able to overcome opposition and move companies to enact and adhere to access strategies. 

Iyer concludes that through these types of actions, investors can help make sure people in LMICs receive the healthcare products they require. In addition, she underscores that companies stand to benefit by expanding into these underserved markets, which represent 80% of the world’s population.