Freedom from Hunger recognizes that the poor, especially the very poor, need more than just financial services to succeed.  Complementary services—such us dialogue-based adult education and access to reliable and affordable health information, care and products—can help the poor better utilize financial services to improve their businesses, standard of living and health status.  Moreover, these services can be provided in conjunction with microfinance services on a sustainable and even profitable basis.

Improved health and financial security

Poverty has devastating effects on the health of the poor.  In turn, health problems prevent the poor from engaging in economic activities that can lead to improved financial security.  Integrated services address this vicious cycle by helping the poor to

• reduce their risk and vulnerability to health and economic shocks;
• improve management of their scarce resources; and
• increase human, social and financial assets for themselves, their families and their communities.

Competitive advantage in the microfinance sector

As the microfinance sector matures and grows more competitive, clients increasingly have a choice among financial service providers.  Microfinance institutions are therefore seeking ways not only to differentiate their products and services to attract new customers, but also to improve their portfolios by helping their customers be healthier and more informed users of financial services.  Integrated services can provide a strong, sustainable, competitive advantage to microfinance institutions, while helping them fulfill their missions to improve the lives of those they serve.

To learn more about the global problem we face - chronic hunger - and Freedom from Hunger's response, follow the links.