Turning neglected disease research into evidence for impact

A branded image featuring snippets from a south asian crowd and a scientist over a microscope.

A breakthrough analysis of investment on global health R&D, delivered for real impact.

Policy Cures Research (PCR) is a global health research and policy organisation, with a mission to improve the health of the world’s most disadvantaged people. The sad reality is that millions of people in the world suffer ill health because there is no commercial incentive to develop the products they need. PCR has been working to provide the evidence and research to change that, by using evidence to drive medical research and biomedical innovation for historically neglected and underfunded health issues.

The good news, uncovered by PCR’s own research, was that despite being dwarfed by global health investment in other areas such as cancer and biopharma, R&D for neglected diseases yielded a staggering health and economic return to society of $405 for every $1 invested.

This return stems chiefly from modelling the lives saved and, in turn, years of life saved (measured using Disability-Adjusted Life Years or ‘DALYs’ averted) by breakthrough drugs, diagnostics, vaccines and vector control products created to tackle poverty-related neglected diseases.

Better yet, PCR’s work showed that this unprecedented return has exponential and extrapolating value over the next few years – even against a relatively minor investment of $4b billion compared to a global overall R&D spend of $2.475 trillion. Put simple, investment in neglected disease R&D was an incredibly compelling investment for global health organisations and governments.

But these numbers were just that – numbers on a spreadsheet. They needed to be contextualised and made accessible to a wide array of policy influences, global health professionals, funders and the public. If this story was going to have impact, it needed a narrative. Anthologie worked closely with PCR to develop the Evidence for Impact Report – a global ‘scrollytelling’ digital experience and 360° immersive live film presentation to bring this important research to an international audience.

THE APPROACH

PCR wanted the report to be an immersive and interactive experience. In a crowded and politically-charged health research environment, it was important to establish that the Evidence for Impact report wasn’t just another niche funding report on a single health issue – it was a world-first summary of the impact of R&D funding on an entire underrepresented population. We created a design system that could deliver complex issues in an easy-to-read format, without losing the individual impact on human lives around the globe. A considered mix of data visualisation, photography and key impact statements were brought to life in animation and interactive elements on the microsite.

At every stage, we collaborated with PCR to ensure that the data and image representations were painstakingly accurate, with clear projections and inspiring imagery that could demonstrate the funding impact. The aim was to make an entertaining and exciting data piece that could be screenshot or shared at any moment, and still be as robust and technically accurate as the original research documentation.

GENEVA LAUNCH

The Evidence for Impact was launched at the international 2024 Health Conference at the Geneva Health Forum, a Swiss not-for-profit initiative that brings together a diverse range of stakeholders to discuss and address global health challenges. To bring the report’s presentation to life on such an important stage, we developed an immersive 360° film to be projected in the world-famous Syllepse event stage at the Jardin des Nations. The film was projected on a 22 meter diameter space, with 24 video projectors on its curved walls and ceiling, along with a 32 speaker ambisonic sound system.

The presentation film was delivered by the team at Policy Cures Research, who took viewers on an extraordinary journey through the estimated $49.7 trillion estimated net benefit of the impact report, along with a comprehensive panel session to discuss the report’s finding in front of the world’s most influential figures in global health.

A REPORT FOR HUMANITY

The report itself was also delivered as an interactive ‘scrollytelling’ site, designed to encourage an entertaining deep dive into the world of neglected disease R&D. By delivering the key data and insights in a compelling and immersive way, we wanted to bring a wider and more influential audience to the compelling story delivered by PCR’s global team of research specialists.

At every stage, we considered the accessibility of a experiential site that could be read by everyone, for everyone, for global impact.

THE IMPACT

The launch of the Evidence for Impact report is the first step in a multi-faceted impact strategy for Policy Cures Research over the next few years. The estimated reach of the Geneva conference is expected to take the Evidence for Impact report right around the globe and into the hands of the world’s most influential figures, from existing philanthropic partners like the Gates Foundation to the world’s policy makers and key figures. Recent figures from the conference itself include over 2000 participants from 48 countries, with the online Evidence for Impact site expected to reach a worldwide audience in the thousands through PCR’s network of influential supporters and PR partners.

Of course, more than 70% of the health and economic impact is still projected to occur between now and 2040. The ongoing emphasis for Policy Cures Research and the Evidence for Impact report continues to be sufficient ongoing investment in R&D to progress the pipeline and deliver the next generation of breakthrough global health products, as well as sufficient programmatic and health systems investment to scale up existing and new tools.

Project Credits

Discover more of our Our Projects