Story
The Problem
Lack of access to high-quality, affordable medical devices for hospitals and clinicians serving the worlds poor. This healthcare gap results in illness, suffering and mortality, and an ever-spiraling trap of poverty.
Specific problems D-Rev currently focuses on:
Severe jaundice: In industrialized countries, newborn jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes due to excess bilirubin) is usually easily treated with phototherapy (a specialized intense blue light). In developing countries however, phototherapy machines are not nearly as accessible, partly due to costs upwards of US$3,000. Over 6 million babies with severe jaundice are not receiving adequate treatment, according to an assessment by Stanford and D-Rev. When severe jaundice goes untreated, it can lead to crippling brain damage.
Prosthetics: In the developing world, trauma, disease, and natural disasters result in hundreds of thousands of new amputees per year. Millions of amputees in low-resource areas do not have access to affordable, high-quality prosthetics that would allow them to lead healthier, more productive lives. Cheap knees can be unsteady, especially a problem for those in low-income environments having to often perform difficult labor and negotiate uneven surfaces and crowded areas.
The Solution
Assessing real on the ground needs and gaps for medical devices, then designing and delivering high quality, low-cost products that are easily accessed by medical providers and patients. Quality medical treatment supports health, productivity and independence.
D-Revs Brilliance phototherapy lamp costs US$400-US$500 and uses LED bulbs which rarely need replacing. Brilliance was named the best health innovation to benefit humanity by the Tech Museum as part of their 15 year retrospective of the social sector.
D-Revs ReMotion knee costs about US$80, with features that would normally be found in more expensive prosthetics, like friction control and extension assist, which helps the knee move.
How D-Rev is different from other charities
D-Rev is the only portfolio nonprofit medical device company. Their work covers the medical device process from identification of need to design, scaled delivery, measurement of impact and effectiveness, and continual improvement based on findings. Further, D-Rev leverages the market, rather than being reliant on donations to drive their work. Because they are involved in selling their products, they are accountable to purchasers and users in designing the most appropriate products.
For more information visit: https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org/where-to-donate/d-rev
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