Local Health Systems for Global Access to Care)Over half a million children die annually from preventable diseases like sickle cell, and millions more are excluded from life-saving innovations due to systemic gaps in access. As medical breakthroughs accelerate, health equity is becoming an urgent priority for global healthcare systems. Addressing this imbalance requires more than innovation—it demands investment in local healthcare infrastructure, community-centered programs, and inclusive clinical research. This article outlines key strategies for building sustainable health systems in underserved regions and shares replicable insights for scaling equitable care.
Expanding Access Through Local Capacity Building
Strengthening health systems at the local level is essential to ensure that innovations in care reach the populations that need them most. The Bristol Myers Squibb Company has supported several initiatives focused on enhancing healthcare delivery capacity through long-term investment in community-based infrastructure and professional development.
One example is the Multinational Lung Cancer Control Program (MLCCP), which demonstrates the power of targeted screening and early detection. In Kentucky, where lung cancer mortality rates were among the highest nationally, the program improved healthcare provider training and community outreach. Within a decade, screening rates climbed from the bottom ranks to the second highest nationwide, contributing to a 10% decline in late-stage diagnoses. This model has now been expanded to other high-burden states like Mississippi and Nevada, with a focus on scalable, data-driven community interventions.
Addressing Pediatric Cancers and Sickle Cell Disease
In sub-Saharan Africa, pediatric cancer and blood disorders remain a critical public health challenge. Building on decades of HIV-related infrastructure investments, the next phase of system strengthening is targeting pediatric oncology and hematology. Through initiatives such as Global HOPE, over 7,000 healthcare professionals have been trained, including the first wave of hematology-oncology specialists in the region. These efforts have provided care to over 26,000 children, helping reshape the standard of pediatric care.
The region now faces a growing burden from sickle cell disease (SCD), responsible for more than 500 child deaths every day. Despite the availability of low-cost interventions, access remains limited, especially outside urban centers. New programs are integrating SCD treatment into primary healthcare systems, leveraging infrastructure built over the last 25 years. This approach is a case study in sustainability through localization, emphasizing the importance of embedding new care pathways into existing public health networks.
Democratizing Clinical Trials for Inclusive Innovation
Inclusive innovation begins with inclusive data. Clinical trials often fail to reflect the diversity of disease epidemiology, leading to disparities in treatment efficacy and adoption. To address this, programs like the Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award are focused on training underrepresented researchers and improving community engagement.
This initiative aims to diversify clinical trial participation, ensuring that new therapies benefit all segments of the population and that local practitioners are empowered to lead high-quality, culturally competent research. Building this capacity within underserved communities helps close the gap between scientific progress and patient outcomes.
Rethinking Mental Health Through Diversion Programs
The intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system is another area where health equity initiatives are urgently needed. Nearly half of incarcerated individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) in the U.S. have had limited access to adequate care. By investing in mental health diversion programs, stakeholders can redirect individuals toward community-based treatment instead of incarceration.
Emerging programs are working to expand diversion capacity, creating new care models that reduce recidivism and improve long-term health outcomes. This underscores the need for cross-sector collaboration, where public health, justice, and community organizations align to address the root causes of systemic exclusion.
Conclusion
Creating equitable access to healthcare requires more than financial aid or philanthropic intent—it demands a systems-level transformation rooted in community needs and delivered through sustainable local capacity. As global health challenges evolve, scalable frameworks that combine partnerships, training, early detection, and data inclusivity offer a proven path forward. Whether combating pediatric cancer in Africa or addressing mental health gaps in the U.S., the strategy is clear: embed equity into the infrastructure of care.