Healthcare In 2016, the United Nations set a global goal for universal access to safe, effective and affordable essential medicines and vaccines by 2030. The UN also wants to end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other communicable diseases by 2030. Reaching these ambitious targets will require both the public and private sectors to work together in new and creative ways. WDI’s Healthcare Initiative, launched in 2009, is contributing to these global efforts by focusing on four main areas: health information systems, market dynamics, supply chains and procurement, and healthcare delivery. Grounded in field research, the initiative leverages knowledge, experience and partnerships to help bring better healthcare outcomes to those in need. The initiative collaborates with world-class thought leaders across many schools and colleges at the University of Michigan, including business, medicine, nursing, engineering and public health. Traveling to dozens of countries each year, the team works closely with large and small for-profit businesses, donor organizations and non-government organizations interested in solving specific hurdles for healthcare in low- and middle-income countries. By understanding the obstacles faced by enterprises, governments, hospitals, doctors and patients, the initiative staff is able to find answers to stubborn problems and connect the right partners to make a lasting impact. Whether it is developing human resource management processes, implementing inventory management systems or creating new forecasting models for suppliers, the Healthcare Initiative seeks sustainable solutions to the world’s healthcare challenges. 25th Anniversary 29