In the history of American retail, few names evoke a sense of community, quality, and resilience quite like Ace Hardware. Founded in 1924, this retailer-owned cooperative has not only survived but thrived for more than a century, evolving into a network of over 5,000 stores across the United States. Each store, while part of the larger Ace family, retains its unique character, often tailored to the specific needs of its local community. This decentralized model allows for a remarkable degree of flexibility — it’s not uncommon to find surfboards in a California Ace store or farming supplies in a Wisconsin location. In Chicago, you might even discover locally sourced honey on the shelves.

This cooperative structure means that individual store owners are shareholders. The reason many families open Ace stores is because they are already deeply embedded in their communities. They make autonomous decisions about inventory and, notably, about which local causes to support. This grassroots approach to philanthropy has been a hallmark of Ace’s community engagement.

Fast forward to 2024, a year that marked both Ace Hardware’s 100th anniversary and a series of devastating hurricanes that ravaged the Southeastern United States. In the aftermath of these natural disasters, a question arose among Ace’s retailers and corporate staff: “What can we do?” This simple inquiry set in motion a partnership with World Vision, who Ace already had a volunteerism partnership with.

Christine Doucet, Director of Communications, Engagement and the Ace Foundation, recalls the initiative’s inception:

“It was clear that our retailers and our staff wanted to help, not just with monetary donations, but with supplying needed product, as well as their time and effort. And World Vision was direct and clear. They provided an exact list of products needed for hurricane relief, and we looked at what we had stocked in our warehouses, created a donation website and the Ace Disaster Relief Bucket was born.”

Ace retailers and employees sponsored 1,000 hurricane disaster relief buckets at $40 each in less than 24 hours. These buckets were filled with essential cleaning supplies like gloves, masks, sponges, and disinfectants. Following this rapid achievement, they introduced ‘hurricane relief bundles,’ and 1,368 of them were sponsored over the next week. These bundles included essential tools such as shovels, rakes, heaters, and ladders, amounting to pallets upon pallets of supplies.

Once the buckets and bundles were sponsored, next came the assembly. The enthusiasm among employees was palpable. Ninety-eight volunteer spots to assemble the buckets filled up in about two hours, with a waitlist forming soon after. Looking back, Christine reflected:

“We were overwhelmed by the number of employees who wanted to help and who sent words of thanks and even posted on their social media noting how proud they were to give back at work.”

This partnership with World Vision was a win-win-win for everyone. Christine emphasizes the importance of having a reliable partner in such endeavors:

“We were able to pull this off because World Vision made it easy. I think many organizations are hesitant to jump in and help because of the extra logistics that make the disaster relief work harder. When you have a good partner, helping doesn’t have to be hard. World Vision helped make our efforts easy and meaningful.”

The collaboration also highlighted the strengths of both organizations. Ace’s ability to quickly obtain the needed products and engaged employees provided the human effort and connections, while World Vision’s established supply chain and logistics expertise ensured that the aid quickly and efficiently reached those in need. This was a critical piece because Ace needed to keep their supply chain focused on serving their stores and customers in the affected areas.

After the buckets were assembled, three Ace Hardware field staff members — Mark Mayes, Brian Raymond, and Grayson Taylor — joined World Vision staff on the ground in Asheville, North Carolina, to distribute supplies and assist with clean-up and rebuilding efforts. They witnessed both the devastation wrought by the hurricane and the hope brought by the collective efforts of corporations and volunteers.

Christine, moved by the stories she heard, said, ” The team that went to Asheville was able to share that experience with others upon their return – it’s not often you get to see the actual beneficiaries of your donation, so it was an incredibly impactful experience for them.”

In times of crisis, it takes all of us to weather the storm and to rebuild. Key partnerships enable us to do more than we could do alone. The collaboration between Ace and World Vision highlights the reality that support extends beyond monetary donations; it involves meaningful engagement, leveraging strengths, and fostering a sense of shared purpose.

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Extreme weather events can cause widespread destruction, putting vulnerable communities at greater risk of falling deeper into poverty. When heatwaves, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires strike, they expose children and families to increased risks of harm and danger.

The severe storm system that began on March 14 swept through the central and eastern U.S., unleashing 87 tornadoes, dust storms, and high winds. At least 39 people lost their lives, with Mississippi and Missouri experiencing the most severe impacts from the tornadoes. Wildfires in Oklahoma and Texas, along with dust storms in Kansas and Texas, compounded the devastation.

In response to these devastating events, World Vision takes swift action — around the world and in the U.S — to deliver lifesaving aid, including providing essentials like food, clean water, and hygiene kits. But our efforts don’t stop there. We keep working alongside communities to help them build resilience and prepare for future disasters. This includes investing in early warning systems and equipping communities with the tools they need to respond effectively to weather hazards.

“Children are one of the most vulnerable groups in the midst of crises and often have no idea of the magnitude of the events they are experiencing. They find themselves away from home, family, and friends,” said Thiago Crucciti, World Vision’s national director in Brazil, reflecting on the devastating 2024 floods in Brazil. To address this need, World Vision helps families access psychosocial support and Child-Friendly Spaces so they can start to regain a sense of normalcy. “Without an appropriate intervention, these events could leave lasting scars. We must respond now to ensure that they get the support they desperately need,” Crucciti said.

Beyond our immediate emergency response, we also collaborate with communities on long-term projects like land restoration, infrastructure improvements, and community development. These efforts improve food security, restore ecosystems, and open economic opportunities — critical steps toward long-term resilience.

You can help deliver hope and meet practical needs when emergencies strike.

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As Hurricane Helene drew near to their Swannanoa, North Carolina, home, Jim and Allie Bourdy prepared. Jim cleaned out the gutters. He installed a sump pump in their crawlspace. “We were expecting to lose power, and that was it. … we stocked up on puzzles. We got our favorite board games out on the table. We had flashlights, we had candles,” says Allie. “We were ready for a rainstorm, but not ready for surviving our life that morning.”

Swannanoa is located on the Swannanoa River, a small waterway that normally runs about 18 inches to 2 feet deep. On the morning of September 27, the river rose fast, climbing over its banks to cross a five-lane highway and reaching houses on the other side. Only 20 minutes after the water measured midway up their shins, it reached the roofline. The couple clung to the gutters and foam exercise equipment that doubled as flotation devices.

Eventually, they pulled themselves up onto a neighbor’s roof where they waited until kayaking neighbors rescued them and took them to higher ground for safety.

After Helene’s floodwaters receded, Jim returned to their home to collect a few necessities they’d left behind. When he entered, his heart sank. Furniture was overturned, a chair hung from a chandelier, silt was everywhere, and the bathroom looked like someone had painted it with mud and water.

“It just kind of looked like all our possessions got just shook up and just thrown all over the place with mud all over it,” he says. “And it was just heartbreaking seeing that and knowing that the life that we’ve built here for the last seven years just wasn’t the same and would never be.”

Having stretched their budget to purchase the home, Jim and Allie knew they didn’t have the funds necessary to rebuild. “We had barely enough savings [to] replace a car if we had to,” Jim says, “[let alone] replacing and remodeling a house from the studs. We had no concept of what that looked like.”

Their homeowner’s insurance wouldn’t cover the damage because, like more than 99% of homeowners in the greater Asheville area, they didn’t have a flood policy, nor would they have qualified because they don’t live in an area that’s deemed a flood zone.

The two felt overwhelmed by everything they needed to do to rebuild their home and their lives. But things were about to improve. One night they were out getting a hot meal at a local church when they ran into a college friend who’s a contractor — Chris Cronin — who wanted to help them rebuild.

Chris and his business partner have plans to work on four houses in this devastated neighborhood. They’re one of the local partners that World Vision is teaming up with to rebuild 150 homes in the area.

“World Vision has donated pretty much all of our building material,” says Chris. “We’ve got a huge framing drop happening next week where we’ll get all our subfloor. We’ll get all the new floor joists and two-by-fours for the walls. And then they’re going to donate all the insulation, the drywall, the flooring.”

Across Western North Carolina, many families just like Jim and Allie, face similar devastation. But across the nation, generous corporate donors such as Ace Hardware, Lowes, Costco, and Culligan and their Culligan Cares Team are answering the call for help and sending building materials and supplies through World Vision to help ease the burden on families who are trying to dig out from under Hurricane Helene’s wreckage.

These corporate partnerships have allowed World Vision to work with local organizations to develop a plan for rebuilding up to 150 homes in the Greater Asheville area, focusing on the hardest hit mountain towns like Chimney Rock and Jim and Allie’s community in Swannanoa.

“Even the smallest things that we don’t have to pay out of pocket for is the biggest blessing to us,” says Allie. “Your contributions and donations have meant the world to us.”

Corporations coming together with World Vision means that families hit hard by Hurricane Helene have a hope of rebuilding without intense financial hardship.

Supplies still needed as part of the ongoing rebuilding process include items such as drywall; subflooring; insulation walls and flooring; electrical outlets, boxes, and switches; kitchen cabinets; interior doors; ceiling fans; bathroom and kitchen faucets; and bathroom vanities.

If your company would like to partner in World Vision’s response to Hurricane Helene, please fill out this form.

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How the Qurate Retail Group and World Vision partnership has created a chain reaction of impact in the last 10 years.

In the world of retail, the emphasis is often on transactions—the act of buying and selling. But what if the retail business could be something more? What if, while meeting consumer demand for quality products and generating profit, a company could have a ripple effect, helping children and families in need? This question has been at the heart of Qurate Retail Group’s (QRG) decade-long partnership with World Vision.

It began, as many initiatives do, with a small team and a big idea. Ten years ago, two QRG employees found themselves grappling with a dual challenge: improving warehouse efficiency and contributing meaningfully to the community. It was a practical problem, yet it also held the potential to create a chain reaction of impact. The solution they found was both practical and impactful—partnering with World Vision to repurpose surplus goods, extending product life cycle while helping vulnerable children and families.

Qurate Retail Group is a leading global retailer known for its multimedia commerce platforms, which include television networks, digital streaming services, and e-commerce websites. The company operates well-known brands such as QVC, HSN, and several others, reaching millions of customers worldwide. QRG is recognized for its innovative shopping experiences, blending entertainment with retail, and offering a wide range of products including fashion, home goods, electronics, and beauty items.

But they also take seriously a commitment to a more sustainable approach to retail that is intentionally inclusive, entrepreneurially driven, responsibly curated, and waste-smart. “We’re committed to giving back to the communities we serve,” reflects Suzanne Quigley, director of global corporate responsibility at Qurate Retail Group. “We do this through corporate philanthropy, product donations, team member giving, and volunteerism.”

Over the past decade, what started as a modest partnership with World Vision has grown into a powerful program for good. To date, Qurate Retail Group has donated 30,000 pallets of product, valued at $60 million, through World Vision. These donations have reached hundreds of thousands of people across 35 countries, helping communities in need with resources like clothing and household items. In the United States alone, QRG’s donations have touched lives in 29 states, offering hope and support to those who need it most.

But the impact of this partnership extends beyond the immediate benefits of the donated goods. It’s about more than just the number of pallets shipped or the dollar value of the products—though those numbers are impressive. It’s about the ripple effect that these donations create, the way they uplift communities and inspire further acts of generosity.

“Our entire team is extremely proud of our partnership with World Vision,” Suzanne says. “And we’re inspired to keep up the momentum of being a force for good in the world. Through our dedicated focus on community and social impact, our Global Impact team seeks to embed inclusion, sustainability, and social responsibility into all aspects of our business. Our partnership with World Vision is a perfect example of this commitment in action.”

In 2023 alone, World Vision distributed 4,262 pallets of QRG product to communities in need. This effort is just one facet of a broader strategy to use business as a catalyst for change. In addition to product donations, QRG also provided a monetary donation to World Vision’s Women’s Empowerment Fund. This initiative helps women overcome poverty and income inequality. It’s a way to equip women with the resources and support they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.

“Supporting these impactful programs helps fuel economic growth and empowerment on a global scale,” Suzanne explains. “It’s about creating opportunities and opening doors for those who might otherwise be left behind.”

Indeed, the Women’s Empowerment Fund is a powerful example of how targeted, strategic philanthropy can drive long-term change. By investing in women, who are often the backbone of their communities, QRG and World Vision are helping create a more equitable world—one where everyone has the chance to thrive. Qurate Retail Group has already contributed over $148 million to worthy causes since 2020. Even in the fast-paced retail industry, there’s room for a deep commitment to the greater good. And in a world where the challenges from poverty and inequality can feel insurmountable, the partnership between QRG and World Vision offers an open door of possibilities. It’s proof that when business and philanthropy come together with a shared vision, the impact can be truly transformative.

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How Group Publishing and World Vision are equipping the next generation to make a profound difference.

In the summer of 2023, Group Publishing and World Vision came together with a simple yet powerful idea: children helping children. Group Publishing—a leader in creating innovative ministry resources to help people grow in their faith—had already been a longtime partner with World Vision. Beginning in 1998, Group Publishing teamed up with World Vision for important projects like helping communities gain access to clean water and empowering children to reach their full potential. But this new endeavor would do something different: Motivated by compassion, kids would raise funds to send Bibles to other children around the world, intertwining spiritual education with global outreach in a unique and impactful way.

Group Publishing’s vacation Bible school (VBS) curriculum—already a popular staple in many churches—always included a mission component, where students could contribute to a cause larger than themselves. “We wanted to create an experience that extended beyond the walls of the church,” explained Jody Brolsma, executive director of content creation at Group Publishing. “By partnering with World Vision, we provided an opportunity for children to make a tangible difference in the lives of their peers around the world.”

The program was designed with intention and care. Each day of VBS, over 100,000 children, from all over the U.S., had fun exploring themes of the Bible through engaging storytelling, crafts, and activities. Students also learned about the challenges faced by children their own age around the world—and how the gift of a Bible could offer hope and lead to transformation. The students were able to not only absorb biblical teachings but also develop a sense of empathy and global awareness.

The impact was immediate and profound. Churches reported that children were deeply moved by the stories they heard and were eager to help send Bibles to children without one. “Churches so appreciate that we were giving children a chance to make a difference,” Jody noted. “We had congregations telling us, ‘Our kids are now passionate and talking about helping others.’ They were not just passive participants; they were active agents of change.”

For World Vision, the partnership was a testament to the power of collective effort. “We have always believed in the strength of community and the transformative power of education,” said Russ Shumaker, strategy and partnership manager for World Vision. “This partnership with Group Publishing was a perfect alignment of our values and mission. Together, we were able to reach more children with good news and the message of hope.”

The initiative’s success was measured not just in the number of Bibles distributed (and many Bibles were distributed!) but also in the lasting impression it left on the young participants. Parents and church leaders observed a marked change in the children’s perspectives. The children were more aware of global issues, more empathetic, and more eager to contribute to charitable causes. “It’s amazing to see the ripple effect,” Jody remarked. “One small act of giving can ignite a lifelong passion for service and compassion.”

Jody continues, “With the number of churches Group Publishing connects with, World Vision is the perfect partner in these endeavors. They have the integrity and display the long-lasting impact of the work. There is so much reach when working with World Vision.”

The partnership between Group Publishing and World Vision was more than a curriculum addition; it was a movement. It demonstrated how strategic collaboration could amplify the impact of educational programs, fostering a generation that values empathy and action. For many VBS students, this was a tipping point—a small but significant step toward a larger cultural shift where children are not just the recipients of knowledge but the catalysts of global change.

In the end, the relationship between Group Publishing and World Vision did more than just send Bibles to children around the world. It created a bridge between communities and a shared mission that united young hearts in the spirit of giving. And in doing so, it also planted seeds of kindness and empathy that will undoubtedly bear fruit for years to come.

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Eco-Soap Bank and World Vision are helping improve hygiene around the globe.

At its core, a bar of soap is a simple fusion of fats and lye, a straightforward concoction that belies its incredible power. This alchemical wonder breaks the bonds of grease and grime, and cleans away dirt and germs. But beyond its practical nature, soap embodies a deeper wisdom: It teaches us that even the simplest of solutions can have the most profound effects. In a single bar, we find a lesson in humility and efficiency, a reminder that solving large problems often requires simple solutions.

This is also the story of Eco-Soap Bank, an initiative born from a shocking realization: While millions suffer from preventable diseases due to lack of hygiene tools, tons of soap scraps are discarded daily. As a partner with World Vision, Eco-Soap Bank transforms waste into wellness—on a global scale.

Founded in 2014, Eco-Soap Bank has a simple yet important mission: to safely recycle used hotel soap and distribute clean bars to those in need. The process is as ingenious as it is impactful. The first step of soap recycling begins in hotel rooms across the United States. Housekeeping staff collects used soap bars, which are then shipped to Eco-Soap Bank’s processing centers. Here, the soap undergoes a rigorous cleaning process to remove impurities and is then melted down, sterilized, and remolded into fresh bars.

This process not only extends the life cycle of soap but also significantly reduces environmental waste. Eco-Soap Bank has also trained 200 women to conduct this process, and now they are skilled in a trade that offers economic empowerment to disadvantaged families. Once crafted, soap bars are subsequently distributed to organizations like World Vision, amplifying their reach and efficacy in communities around the world.

Why soap? The statistics are both startling and motivating. In the United States alone, hotels throw away an estimated 2.6 million bars of soap daily. Meanwhile, 395,000 children under the age of 5 die each year from diarrheal diseases related to poor hygiene—illnesses that could be drastically reduced with simple handwashing practices. Eco-Soap Bank bridges this gap by turning waste into a potential lifeline, demonstrating that what we discard can actually be a part of livesaving solutions.

“For every $1 invested in hygiene programs and tools,” says Samir Lakhani, the founder and CEO of Eco-Soap Bank, “there is a social impact of $25. Our work has a broad impact, not only on the vulnerable, but on entire communities. And by partnering with organizations like World Vision, we’re able to extend our impact exponentially.”

World Vision has a presence in nearly 100 countries, with many programs focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene. While we build the infrastructure for access to clean water and sanitation, Eco-Soap Bank provides the essential element of soap, helping ensure that these facilities can be used to their fullest potential.

Eco-Soap Bank’s impact is both measurable and noteworthy. Since its inception, the organization has donated 60 million bars of soap. This effort has also diverted over 60,000 pounds of waste from landfills, highlighting a sustainable model of social entrepreneurship.

“Eco-Soap Bank’s approach is a brilliant example of circular economy in action,” says Bernadette Martin, corporate engagement director for World Vision. “By transforming waste into a valuable resource, they’re not only addressing a critical public health need but also promoting environmental sustainability. Our partnership allows us to leverage each other’s strengths, creating a more significant impact in the communities we serve.”

The data supporting Eco-Soap Bank’s mission is compelling. According to the World Health Organization, handwashing with soap can reduce diarrhea morbidity by up to 44% and respiratory infections by up to 23%. These statistics underscore the critical importance of soap in public health initiatives. Yet, the challenge lies in accessibility, particularly in impoverished regions where soap is considered a luxury.

In countries like Cambodia, where Eco-Soap Bank first began its work, the disparity is stark. Many families cannot afford soap, leading to high rates of preventable diseases. By providing free hygiene products, Eco-Soap Bank not only alleviates a financial burden but also educates communities on the importance of proper hygiene. This dual approach—provision and education—is essential for lasting change.

As we consider the broader implications of this endeavor, it becomes evident that the partnership of Eco-Soap Bank and World Vision is more than just a collaboration—it is pioneering a movement that redefines waste and wellness. This work exemplifies how innovative thinking and strategic partnerships can transform global health landscapes.

Reflecting on the journey, Samir shared how Eco-Soap Bank has grown to the point where they can quickly respond to disasters: “When a hurricane hit Honduras, World Vision reached out to us with a need. And we were able to meet that need for the survivors in Honduras. I am very grateful that we are at a point where we can ship thousands of bars of soap at a moment’s notice.”

Indeed, Eco-Soap Bank’s story is a powerful illustration that within the byproducts of our consumption lies the potential for meaningful change. By turning waste into a resource, they are not just helping to clean hands—they are helping change lives, one bar of soap at a time.

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WORLD VISION PARTNER SINCE 2015

According to UNICEF, communicable and infectious diseases are the leading causes of death in children under the age of 5. This is particularly true for children in marginalized populations, where the tragedy of child mortality further contributes to the cycle of extreme poverty.

As one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies, Pfizer—along with The Pfizer Foundation—is on the forefront of inventive solutions to such crippling healthcare problems. “We are committed to partnerships like this to improve community-based care and strengthen health systems to prevent, correctly diagnose, and appropriately treat infectious diseases among underserved communities,” said Caroline Roan, president of The Pfizer Foundation and vice president of Global Health and Patient Access at Pfizer, Inc. “Through this partnership with World Vision, we aim to contribute toward decreased child mortality.” 

The Pfizer Foundation’s goal to drive catalytic change plus World Vision’s experienced, community-based approaches form a powerful partnership to strengthen vulnerable health systems and contribute to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. The Pfizer Foundation has supported global emergency response and maternal and child health programs in which World Vision’s strong local relationships provide the base for equitable and effective work that empowers families and communities. Starting with the community and listening to the people they’re serving enable The Pfizer Foundation and World Vision to achieve better outcomes.

Recently, The Pfizer Foundation and World Vision collaborated on the Expanding Access to Immunization and Treatment program, which aims to reduce mortality among 85,743 children under 5 in Uganda, by treating and preventing childhood illnesses. The project will improve demand and intake of child health services at the community level, strengthen systems and structures supporting child health interventions, and strengthen the child health information and supply system. 

Since its inauguration, this program has screened 129,436 children under 5 for cases of malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia, and reached 178,806 people with education on disease prevention and management. Through the program, 52 healthcare facilities have been supported, training 1,000 community health workers to provide quality care and 144 health facility staff in integrated management of childhood illness. 

The Pfizer Foundation recognize that innovative, local-born solutions can create ripple effects that transform the healthcare landscape and redefine the way we fight infectious disease. Through partnerships like that with World Vision, meaningful and sustainable solutions can be found to address today’s and tomorrow’s biggest challenges, bringing equitable and affordable interventions to people who need them most and helping protect the world’s most vulnerable people.

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WORLD VISION PARTNER SINCE 2015

In just one year, the U.S. added 290 million tons of waste to our bulging landfills. For companies like Costco, that simply isn’t acceptable. 

With hundreds of locations worldwide, Costco’s membership warehouse club provides a wide selection of merchandise plus specialty departments and exclusive member services. Costco is a recognized retail leader, dedicated to quality in every area and respected for outstanding business ethics. The company’s sustainability commitment is an important part of a corporate goal of increasing their environmental and social responsibility. To Costco, sustainability means “remaining a profitable business while doing the right thing.” What is “the right thing”? One way of approaching this question is found in Costco’s key principles for sustainability: “for Costco to thrive, the world needs to thrive.”

“The sustainability commitment,” CEO Craig Jelinek describes, “explains the efforts and steps we are taking to achieve our global sustainability goals. With nearly 850 warehouses around the world, we understand the impact we have on environmental and sustainability issues globally … [and] we believe we can play a positive role in helping the world face these most pressing issues. While we see progress in many areas, we are committed to continuous improvement across all elements of our business: people and communities, operations and merchandise.”

The generosity of Costco donations shows that commitment in action. Not only are people being equipped to thrive, but it’s also better for the earth. 

In 2022, Costco donated 103,139 pallets of valuable and much-needed product valued at over $156 million benefiting millions of people in 32 countries—including the U.S. Because of their priority on sustainability and helping our world thrive, Costco has birthed a new life cycle for their products: When members return first-quality, undamaged merchandise, these products are then shipped to a Costco return center. Once there, Costco selects products to donate, which are given to partners like World Vision, who in turn send the goods to people in critical areas of need—both locally and globally. Through this partnership, over 1 million tons of product were kept out of landfills so they could get into the hands of people in need.

People like the Lopez family in California, who were expecting a child—and facing some hard decisions. Should they buy cleaning supplies during the pandemic or use their money on baby products? When buying food, which household items could they do without? Items donated by Costco answered many of these questions for the Lopezes. They received cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, and baby food. It was a huge relief—and a boost of confidence for this growing family.

Donated Costco products helped people outside the U.S., too. In Mali, World Vision distributed Costco balance bikes to young children, helping meet both social and emotional needs. Toys and playtime are critical for a child’s development. And when you’re living in poverty, having something of your very own to play with becomes even more important. It can give dignity and self-esteem. In 2022 alone, Costco donated over 6,000 bicycles along with hundreds of pallets of diapers to World Vision.

Together, World Vision and Costco are empowering vulnerable communities around the world. And they’re proving the wisdom of the company’s sustainability model—you can be profitable and do the right thing. Costco is showing how.

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WORLD VISION PARTNER SINCE 2020

In many countries, one repercussion of the COVID-19 outbreak was the exposure of significant gaps in healthcare access. In rural and remote areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Nepal, barriers to healthcare already existed, including lack of health facilities and inconsistent quality of care as well as worsening inequalities between ethnic groups. With the onset of the global pandemic, health services in Nepal were severely disrupted and risk of infection was high due to open borders, international commutes, and lack of accurate information.

However, situations like these are why the Astellas Global Health Foundation was created. An international philanthropic organization focused on helping underserved people in low- to middle-income countries where Astellas Pharma Inc. does not have a business presence, the Foundation funds efforts to improve health access, build resilient communities, and provide disaster support for vulnerable global communities. 

The Astellas Global Health Foundation found a like-minded partner in World Vision. With its first grant to World Vision, the Astellas Global Health Foundation supported a COVID-19 community prevention and partnership project with health systems in the DRC, impacting nearly 217,000 people, which surpassed original program goals by 100%. 

Building on this success, the Astellas Global Health Foundation partnered with World Vision by awarding a second grant to support its COVID-19 preparedness and recovery project in Nepal. The project aimed to limit the spread of the virus in the community through education and equipping health facilities for both in-patient and at-home care for COVID-19.

Education efforts, which reached more than 130,000 people in the region, included activities such as:

• Providing hygiene kits to frontline health workers, people with disabilities, and children 
• Mobilization of community health volunteers and workers to share information through informal group and mothers’ meetings
• “Miking” to disseminate messages on the streets using carts with signs and loudspeakers
• Advertising COVID-19 prevention and vaccine adoption through mass media campaigns and on the radio

In addition to education efforts, World Vision set up mobile vaccination camps to reach more than 1,500 people, focusing particularly on pregnant and nursing women, people with disabilities, and senior citizens in areas where vaccination sites aren’t accessible. World Vision also equipped and staffed additional vaccination sites, which provided vaccinations to more than 18,500 people.Additionally, through the project, World Vision and the Astellas Global Health Foundation were able to provide personal protective equipment and COVID-19 antigen tests as well as home isolation kits to local health facilities.

“We are extremely proud to have supported the meaningful impact World Vision has made in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in hard-to-reach communities,” said Shingo Iino, Ph.D., president of the Astellas Global Health Foundation. “We view the opportunity to fund efforts like these as important opportunities for the Foundation to address urgent healthcare needs and make a sustainable impact on the health of underserved people around the world.” Taukir, a resident of rural Nepal, shared how hearing COVID-19 messages made him aware about the virus and encouraged him to get the vaccine. “[They explained how] to stay safe from the coronavirus like getting vaccinated, maintaining 3-meter social distance, using sanitizer and soap water to clean hands. With this message dissemination, I learnt a lot. I took the COVID-19 vaccine.”

Since September 2020, the Astellas Global Health Foundation has directed more than $2.75 million in funding to help improve organizations’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic in underserved communities.

 

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