Jesse Schubert provided an incredibly interesting look at PATH, an international health organization driving innovation in global health. PATH’s approach blends the entrepreneurial spirit of business, the scientific expertise of a research institution, and the passion and on-the-ground experience of an international NGO.
PATH focuses on developing new technologies and adapting existing technologies for global access. They partner with private businesses to help develop and deliver healthcare products in cost-effective ways where they are needed most.
Founded in 1977, PATH now operates in nearly 70 countries worldwide, with offices in 22. The bulk of funding for PATH comes from Foundations (notably the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) and Government grants.
While PATH doesn’t sell anything directly, they work with outside entities to innovate in 5 areas; Vaccines, Drugs, Diagnostics, Devices, and System & Service. They bring their wealth of knowledge to help companies and governments develop, refine and deliver their products, all while keeping their ultimate goal of global access forefront.
Jesse then went on to focus on a specific project they were currently working on as part of their WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) program; delivering chlorine for water treatment. Diarrhea is the 2nd largest killer of children under the age of 5, taking the lives of around 500,000 each year. Having access to clean, safe water is paramount to fighting this deadly affliction.
Chlorine is a highly effective method of treating water and can be used in other sanitization applications. The traditional method of Chlorine delivery, while highly effective for municipal water treatment, has drawbacks that restrict it’s applicability in rural, developing nations. By partnering with Cascade Designs Inc, an outdoor equipment specialist, PATH was able to modify their MIOX electro-chlorinator for community-based water treatment applications.
Through electrolysis, the SE 200 handheld purifier is able to separate saline molecules and generate a specific chlorine solution. All that is required to operate the generator is a battery (or other power source), salt and water. The operation is nearly fool-proof, and can generate enough chlorine to purify upwards of 50 liters within minutes. While already promising, PATH is looking to innovate and further refine the product to provide more chlorine purification in even more effective ways.
PATH also follows up on their projects by providing education to children on the science behind the technology, business training for water vendors and sound economic principles for local lenders.
Located in Seattle, PATH is a truly amazing group of people tackling some of the most challenging problems our world faces. Through their work with governments and private entities, they are able to deliver on their message of accelerating global health innovation.
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