Through its grassroots investments, microfinance is recognised to offer a trickle-up solution to the problem of poverty.

But those who receive small loans still have to operate within the pre-existing conditions of their countries. Inadequate healthcare, education and a lack of transport infrastructure still constrain the ability of families in developing countries to overcome poverty.

For example, a 2011 study presented in The Lancet reported that 39 million people in India were pushed into poverty after entering the country’s public healthcare system because it created obstacles to receiving treatment and increased inefficiencies in medical practice.

The reality is, today, many in India are still forced to choose between feeding their family or treating a fever. Opportunity has recognised that this is a choice that no one should have to make.

For this reason, we work with local women in India to respond to the health needs of disadvantaged communities through our Community Health Leader program.

Seeking to lessen the strain of preventable illness and disease within families and communities, the program empowers and employs local women to be agents of change within their own community.

Health leaders are trained to teach families in poverty (including those with small loans) about basic health, nutrition and hygiene practices. For example, the education about the use of sanitary napkins has resulted in women replacing corn husks, old rags and newspapers with sterile products. This has improved the health of numerous women and girls while the production and distribution of sanitary napkins has also become an additional source of income for health leaders as well.

The Community Health Leader program is not within the traditional umbrella of what most people consider microfinance. But Opportunity recognises the need to ensure mothers with small loans can keep running their businesses because they are not limited by ill health or inadequate nutrition. They no longer have to spend the profits of their business treating preventable illnesses. Instead, they can continue to expand their businesses, send their children to good schools and break the poverty cycle completely.

If you are interested in Opportunity’s complementary services that respond to the needs of disadvantaged communities, I encourage you to read our Global Impact Report here.

Because your support has a greater impact than you may think.

Manna Mostaghim is the Reporting and Research Intern at Opportunity International Australia.