Noncommunicable Diseases

Helping People with Hearing Loss in the Developing World

Canadian not-for-profit World Wide Hearing Foundation International (World Wide Hearing) will develop a hearing loss diagnostic kit for use by rural healthcare workers, and a newly created Canadian company, Hearing Access World, will screen and quickly equip people in need with high-quality hearing aids at a fraction of the usual $2,000 to $3,000 cost.

Developing Manufacturing, Distribution and a Fitting Model for the LCKnee, a Functional and Affordable Artificial Knee Joint technology for Low- and Middle Income Countries

Backed with a blend of private and Government of Canada investments catalyzed by Grand Challenges Canada, Toronto-based company LegWorks will contribute to a better life for amputees in developing countries. LegWorks will mass produce its innovative, affordable prosthetic knee, the All-Terrain Knee (AT-Knee), the functionality and durability of which makes it ideal for amputees living in the developing world. With $1 million expected from private investors and foundations matched by federal funds, the project will receive an anticipated $2 million to scale-up the success of the company.

Scaling up of the BasicNeeds Mental Health and Development Model Through a Social Franchise Approach

BasicNeeds' unique approach works with existing health and community systems, and staff to provide community based mental health treatment through outreach clinics, mental health camps and regular check-ups. However, treatment alone is not enough for sustained improvements to mental health, which is why the Model also increases an individual's access to emotional and practical support through self-help groups, improves their capacity to find meaningful occupation and employment, and ultimately works to changes health systems and policy for the better.

Noncommunicable Diseases