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Oct 29, 2024
By the Philips Foundation team
For the past 10 years, Philips Foundation has worked to expand access to quality healthcare for underserved communities across North America by combining the expertise, knowledge and passion of Philips employees with the power of innovation. The result: millions more people with access to care, and critical healthcare gaps beginning to close.
With more than 300 initiatives, and more recently, direct investments in social enterprises, the Foundation’s impact today is both immediate and lasting. In 2024 alone, Philips Foundation supported access to care for 46.5 million people in underserved regions around the world. In North America, the Foundation’s efforts focus on addressing persistent healthcare gaps in underserved communities. These gaps are particularly evident in maternal and child health, as well as in the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). For example, Black women in rural areas are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than White women [1]. In many rural communities, limited access to prenatal care, combined with a shortage of healthcare professionals, further exacerbates the issue. A notable initiative in the region is the ultrasound training program in the Navajo Nation, a low-resource area where access to advanced diagnostic tools is limited. This program enabled local health workers to integrate ultrasound technology into their weekly clinical routines, significantly improving patient care. Despite having no prior experience with the device, participants’ confidence in performing key exams rose to 75% after training [2]. Over the years, Philips Foundation’s approach has evolved. While it initially focused on short-term aid, the Foundation now prioritises scalable healthcare solutions that are built to last.
“Today, the Foundation’s impact is both immediate and enduring. None of this progress would be possible without Philips employees, whose relentless commitment is key to saving lives, building healthier futures, and driving sustainable change,” says Margot Cooijmans, Director of Philips Foundation. Tackling maternal health disparities with innovation A shining example of the Foundation’s work in North America is its partnership with March of Dimes. These mobile clinics serve as a vital healthcare lifeline in areas where services are otherwise out of reach. “Through the March of Dimes partnership, Philips’ ultrasound devices are making an enormous difference, allowing real-time consultations with specialists in critical situations. These clinics provide care across every stage of the pregnancy journey, conducting over 1,000 patient visits annually in underserved regions,” explains Jeff DiLullo, Market Leader of Philips North America.
We are ushering in a new chapter of innovation within maternal and infant mobile health by delivering advanced ultrasound technology to the doorstep of moms in Phoenix, Tucson, and Washington, DC.
Elizabeth Cherot
President and CEO of March of Dimes
By bringing quality care directly to patients, these partnerships are helping reshape maternal healthcare delivery. “Together, we are ushering in a new chapter of innovation within maternal and infant mobile health by delivering advanced ultrasound technology to the doorstep of moms in Phoenix, Tucson, and Washington, DC,” says Dr. Elizabeth Cherot, President and CEO of March of Dimes.
Looking ahead As healthcare systems face growing challenges and rising costs, Philips Foundation remains committed to transforming how care is delivered. The next decade holds significant potential to further close healthcare gaps, improve access, and elevate the standard of care, particularly in underserved communities. Philips Foundation’s impact is powered by innovation and collaboration. By integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence and telemedicine, the Foundation supports clinicians and patients across the care continuum, from hospitals to homes.
The challenge is immense, but so is the opportunity.
Let's take them on together.
--- [1] National Center for Health Statistics (2021). Maternal mortality rates in the United States, 2021
[2] Philips (2021). How digital innovation can bring healthcare to remote regions: three real-world examples
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