Dear Evidence Action Supporter,
In 2019, Evidence Action set an ambitious goal: to double our impact by 2024. We set this goal knowing that growing our existing programs would not be enough - we’d need to scale up a new generation of evidence-based, cost-effective programs.
It was for this reason that we launched
Evidence Action Accelerator – our engine for new program development. In collaboration with some of the world’s leading economists, research institutions, governments, and implementers, our multi-disciplinary Accelerator team identifies promising evidence-based interventions and evaluates them through a rigorous six-stage process - with only the most cost-effective progressing to scale.
Contrary to many other accelerators, interventions on the path to scale don’t need to be revolutionary ideas; right now our most advanced interventions are characterized by their focus on an under-funded or neglected issue. An example is syphilis screening and treatment for pregnant women, tackling a condition that causes more stillbirths and neonatal deaths than HIV. We are supporting governments to adopt a new diagnostic dual test that can replace an HIV-only one, providing capacity to screen syphilis infections for only pennies more - and bringing new attention to this critical maternal health issue.
The innovation aspect of the Accelerator is often in delivery, where we seek to determine the most effective means for a particular intervention to reach populations in need. A great example is in-line chlorination, a simple method to consistently deliver chlorine into piped water systems. This technology provides a safe water solution for communities with access to untreated piped water, which are distinct from those reached by our Dispensers for Safe Water program. We’re currently field testing this approach in Kenya, receiving feedback from communities and measuring whether the intervention effectively delivers chlorine. If testing is successful, we’ll be poised for rapid scale up.
There are many other cost-effective interventions yet to be identified that could address some of the world’s biggest problems. You can help us develop the next generation of solutions.
Onwards together,
Jeff Grosz
Senior Director, Accelerator
P.S. There is still time to double your impact. Our partner Double Up Drive is now matching up to $20,000 per donation until the match pool runs out. Make sure to select "Evidence Action" at check out. We will make sure your gift will go where it is most needed.