Scaling-up innovation as a means of tackling health inequalities. Commentary.

ISSUE The introduction of inclusive healthcare innovations as a means of improving the welfare of marginalized groups is now being witnessed in developing countries as a crucial process of modernization and industrialization. In this respect, there has been much discussion regarding the most effective strategies of scaling up innovative healthcare interventions in these parts of the world. EVIDENCE The topics of discussion have included accessibility and cost-effectiveness; sustainability; infrastructure to support implementation; political will; advocacy; strong leadership; tailoring the scaled-up approach to the local context; and various potential models of funding. IMPLICATIONS Given that policy advocacy plays a critical role in creating a favourable environment for inclusive healthcare innovations, intensive lobbying will be necessary as a means to achieve effective scaling-up in addition to tackling the respective development challenges more efficiently. With this in mind, funders will need to mobilize substantial investment for innovations that respond to the most pressing global public health issues.