Eli Lilly and Co. wants to improve access to health care for 30 million people in impoverished areas around the world.
Lilly announced a $90 million program to provide better access to treatment for diabetes, cancer and tuberculosis. The five-year investment, called Lilly 30x30, will go to Brazil, China, India, Kenya, Mexico, Russia and South Africa. Lilly also plans to spend some of that money on treating diabetes in Indianapolis.
Lilly estimates that it already reaches 5 million people through the Lilly Global Health Partnership. It will use $45 million of the money and $45 million from the Eli Lilly and Co. Foundation to expand that reach.
The company's plan goes beyond distributing drugs to areas in need. Lilly is experimenting with new products and business models to find better ways to provide care in poor areas. For instance, Lilly plans to spend $15 million to discover new drugs to treat tuberculosis. Lilly's efforts also will focus on more minute details of health care delivery, such as exploring how product sizes and packaging can lead to better health care.