Manufacturing and distributing low-cost, high-quality women’s health products designed for low-resource settings targeting reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCH+A).
Our model is simple, based on our philosophy that “the poor are not poor in mind” and will pay for products that are affordable, address real needs and make their lives easier and better. We sell kits directly to health institutions and other partners in low-resource settings, who then resell and distribute the kits to mothers. Our iterative three-step design process (Research & Innovate; P...
SEE ALLOur model is simple, based on our philosophy that “the poor are not poor in mind” and will pay for products that are affordable, address real needs and make their lives easier and better. We sell kits directly to health institutions and other partners in low-resource settings, who then resell and distribute the kits to mothers. Our iterative three-step design process (Research & Innovate; Produce & Sell; Monitor & Evaluate) ensures product relevancy and repeat sales for sustained revenue we can reinvest in our mission.
Core to this model, we engage and empower beneficiaries and stakeholders across our supply chain. Kits are bundled with education and training for healthcare workers that increase awareness of best childbirth practices. Manufactured regionally via social franchising, kits are assembled by rural women that we employ in a safe working environment, who become “health and hygiene” ambassadors in their local communities (critical for demand creation).Social impact:* ACCESS to essential commodities for a clean and safe birth* ADHERENCE to global standards and best childbirth practices* ADVOCACY around the importance of health, hygiene and gender equality among key stakeholders and influencers
SEE LESSStage 5: Scaling
Transitioned to Scale with investment from Grand Challenges Canada & Pfizer Foundation; Replicating production/distribution model in India via social franchising; first global hub underway in Kenya.
Registered in United Statesin United States
Focus Areas:
Gender Equity, Menstrual Hygiene and Maternal Newborn and Child Health
Gender Equity, Menstrual Hygiene and Maternal Newborn and Child HealthSEE LESS
Implemented In:
India and Kenya
India and KenyaSEE LESS
606,044
Lives Impacted to Date
2
Countries Implemented In
$1,500,000
Funds Raised to Date
Problem
Women face critical, interconnected challenges to survival, health and well-being across the continuum of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A). Over 5 million mothers and infants die annually, 80% concentrated in 30 countries (India claiming the most) where health facilities lack resources to ensure cleanliness and quality care. Integrated solutions are the need of the hour, meanwhile simple interventions often designed in silos rarely reach the “last mile.”
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Solution
Signature to the ayzh brand is an integrated suite of “kit style” products that bundle simple tools and training carefully designed to address gaps along the RMNCH+A continuum. Our core $3 Clean Birth Kit prevents infection (a leading cause of maternal and infant death) at the time of birth. Additional ayzh kits address newborn care, postpartum health and menstrual hygiene. Across our supply chain, we empower healthcare providers and women with education, employment and economic opportunity.
Target Beneficiaries
* Mothers and newborns (target beneficiaries) benefit from improved quality of care at critical points throughout life* Health institutions (customers) benefit from a cost-effective product that helps achieve maternal and infant health outcomes* Healthcare workers (core product users) benefit from tools and training that improve their learning and performance* Rural women (product makers) benefit from consistent employment when hired to package and assemble kits.
Mission and Vision
Our mission is to bring simplicity and dignity to women’s health. We are on a journey to becoming the leading global provider of low-cost, high-quality products for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A), transforming how women access health throughout life and demonstrating how business can advance the Sustainable Development Goals. By 2030, our vision is to improve the survival, health and wellbeing of one billion women, babies and girls.
Competitive Advantage
There is no shortage of technology in this world to help women and babies survive and thrive. Alas, even the most effective technology cannot save lives if it is not available at the “right place, right time, right price.” Our innovation is a “one stop shop” for high quality and affordable women’s health and hygiene solutions. One of the only social businesses working in the maternal and newborn health sector, ayzh demonstrates a significant departure from traditional approaches (philanthropic and subsidized). Our franchise model for regional production enables both customization to local needs and preferences, as well as replicability and scalability for widespread reach and adoption. Our approach of “integrated innovation” and women’s empowerment aligns with and advances the following Sustainable Development Goals: #3 (health & wellbeing), #5 (gender equality), #9 (resilient infrastructure), and #17 (innovative partnerships).
Planned Goals and Milestones
Launch and scale Menstrual Hygiene Pads in India; Raise Capital for Global expansion; Team building; Franchising
Goals:
- USD 10 M in PRI, Grant, Debt and Equity
- 1 Billion Mothers, Newborns and Girls by 2030
| Funding Goal | 10,000,000 |
| Projected Cumulative Lives Impacted | 1,000,000,000 |
| New Implemented Countries | Ghana, Philippines, Kenya, India, South Africa |
| Recruit | Board of Directors, Board of Advisors, Global Business Development Lead, Executive Assistant |
| New Feature | Kanya - Chemical Free Menstrual Hygiene Pads (expanding in US market with 1-for-1 giving model) |