2024 Global Health Equity Challenge

TransHelp: Democratizing Affordable Healthcare using AI and Creative Art

Team Leader

Dr. Mohsin Khan

Our Organization

TransHelp

What is the name of your solution?

TransHelp: Democratizing Affordable Healthcare using AI and Creative Art

Provide a one-line summary of your solution.

AI-driven health platform connects marginalized communities to vital services, predicts HIV/STI risks, combats gender-based discrimination

In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?

Islamabad, Pakistan

In what country is your solution team headquartered?

Pakistan

What type of organization is your solution team?

Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit

Film your elevator pitch.

What specific problem are you solving?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Sexually transmitted infections (STI) continues to be a major global public health challenge, where HIV alone claimed almost 1 million deaths annually with approximately 38.4 million people were living with HIV by the end of 2021[1]. The WHO estimated that 1.5 million people becoming newly infected in 2021 worldwide [1]. Additionally, the global burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains substantial, with millions of cases reported annually, contributing to long-term health complications and increased vulnerability to HIV transmission. Such as WHO claimed that more than 1 million Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are acquired every day with estimated 374 million new infections with 1 of 4 common STIs [2]. Pakistan alike other developing country with fragile health system and service delivery is also confronting the HIV/AIDS and STI endemic where the prevalence rate of HIV is alarmingly high in its four key populations e.g. people living with injecting drugs (PWID) at 38.4%, Transgender (TGs) at 7.1%, Men who have sex with Men (MSM) 4.2% and Female Sex workers (FSW) 2.2% [3]. Low rates of access to health services, persistent violence, legal barriers, stigma and discrimination, violation of their basic human rights like employment opportunities, education [4, 5], family denunciation, gender discrimination [6], sexual harassment even by healthy professionals and last but not least to their limited access to these infection prevention programs and its treatment [7] further compound their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and other STIs. In our field study in 2020 with Gilead Sciences, we also found that approximately 53% of transgenders and sex workers reporting stigma and discrimination while seeking healthcare services [8], and further escalating infection from key population to public at large[4]. These alarming facts and factors not only increase the risk of these communities acquiring these diseases but also contribute to traumatic outcomes such as mental health disorders due to pervasive violence and stigmatization, further exacerbating their vulnerability.

What is your solution?

TransHelp is an innovative health platform designed to empower marginalized communities, particularly youth, transgender individuals and sex workers, by providing them with access to crucial healthcare services and resources. Through a user-friendly mobile app, web portal and advocacy , TransHelp connects users with reproductive health services, including STI diagnosis and testing, increasing access and uptake of STI and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication. Additionally, TransHelp leverages creative arts and storytelling (short animations), and behavioral economics (nudges) to demystify myths around HIV/AIDs and STI, combat gender-based discrimination and promote awareness and acceptance.

Imparting Awareness: We distribute information and educational materials, including short stories, animations and text (notifications).
Streamline and facilitate Healthcare Services: TransHelp facilitates voluntary and confidential HIV counseling and testing (VCT), diagnosis, and treatment of various sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and mental health support through nudge, and utilizing our network of partnering organizations.
Protection & Physical Safety Measures: To ensure the safety of transgender and marginalized individuals, we provide 1) accurate location and contact information for nearby police stations and officials, enabling users to file complaints against perpetrators; 2) an SOS Service: Users can access a free SOS service by sending an SMS with accurate GPS information, aiding forensic investigations. Such tools and service played a role in resolving recent cases, i.e. the motorway rape case, through geo-fencing technology; 3) providing referral support to free health and legal aid, and 4)multilingual chatbot providing up-to-date information on endemic diseases like HIV, STIs, with psycho-social support.

In the future development of TransHelp, we are introducing several innovative components 1) audio-visual support features that allow users to connect directly with healthcare service providers 2)AI and ML-based diagnosis capabilities for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). By leveraging advanced algorithms, we can provide accurate and timely diagnosis while ensuring confidentiality. This technology not only reduces the cost of traditional diagnostic methods but also addresses the stigma and hesitation to consultation associated with seeking STI diagnosis, facilitating timely testing and prevention of these diseases 3) Building a AI algorithms, TransHelp will continue to utilize machine learning to analyze electronic health record (EHR) data. By integrating various parameters from EHRs, such as behavioral patterns and social networks, our platform can predict elevated risks of HIV among vulnerable populations, including youth, BIPOC, sex workers, and transgender individuals. This predictive modeling enables targeted interventions and timely provision of healthcare resources, preventive measures, and legal aid, ultimately reducing the incidence of HIV transmission within these communities 4) expand its scientific basis by incorporating AI capabilities for mood analysis in mental health support. By analyzing users' moods through daily routine, short surveys, images and videos, our algorithm will tailor mental health recommendations based on mood analysis, integrating elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This digital platform for CBT ensures accessibility and user-friendliness, providing evidence-based interventions for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Finally, incorporating user-enabled feedback, we prioritize platform reliability, maintainability, and scalability, and committed to empowering marginalized communities, advancing health equity, and catalyzing positive social change. More details about portal are here

Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?

TransHelp aims to meaningfully improve the lives of marginalized communities in Pakistan, particularly youth, transgender individuals, sex workers (and the general population), who face significant barriers to accessing healthcare services due to the country's fragile health system and pervasive stigma and myths surrounding HIV/STIs. In Pakistan, where the prevalence rates of HIV and STIs are alarmingly high among key populations, including transgender individuals and sex workers, access to healthcare services is hindered by persistent violence, legal barriers, stigma, and discrimination [1, 2].

Our solution addresses these challenges by combining creative art, technology, creative and a user-centered approach to healthcare delivery. Through a user-friendly mobile app, web portal, nudging and advocacy , TransHelp connects users with reproductive health services, including STI diagnosis and testing, increasing access, willingness and uptake of STI and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication. Additionally, TransHelp leverages creative arts and storytelling (short animations) to demystify myths around condoms, sexual health, HIV/AIDs and STI, combat gender-based discrimination and promote awareness and acceptance. Through combination of informational and educational contents (short messages, animations, notifications) based on research in behavioral economics, serve as effective educational tools and nudges to raise awareness about sexual health, mental health, and gender-based violence (GBV) [1, 2, 3]. By portraying real-life experiences and struggles, TransHelp empowers individuals to understand and address health challenges in their communities, fostering a sense of agency and resilience.

Similarly, incorporating AI and machine learning algorithms, TransHelp offers AI-driven predictive modeling to analyze electronic health record (EHR) data, identifying individuals at elevated risk of HIV/STIs. This data-driven approach enables targeted interventions, identifying those being at risk of HIV and STI acquisition, hence facilitate timely provision of healthcare resources, and preventive measures, ultimately reducing the incidence of HIV transmission within these communities and beyond. Moreover, TransHelp also aims to expand its scientific basis by integrating AI capabilities for mood analysis in mental health support. By tailoring mental health recommendations based on mood analysis and incorporating elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), our platform will ensures accessibility and user-friendliness, providing evidence-based interventions for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

In addition to addressing healthcare disparities, TransHelp tackles the issue of cost and accessibility by offering affordable diagnostic solutions for STIs. In Pakistan, where these groups are already marginalized, traditional diagnostic methods are further costly (i.e. average STD costs range between 150-210 US$ per person) and often inaccessible, our platform will employ an AI and ML-based diagnosis capabilities, reducing costs. In addition to the cost, it also tackle the stigma and hesitations prevalent in seeking STI diagnosis, providing discreet access to marginalized communities and minimizing delays in diagnosis and treatment, thus curbing the spread of STIs and HIV.

By empowering marginalized communities with accessible, evidence-based healthcare support, TransHelp fosters trust, reliability, and promotes positive social change. Our solution not only addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by youth, sex workers, transgender individuals, and other sexual minorities in Pakistan but also contributes to reducing the overall burden of HIV/STIs and improving public health outcomes on a larger scale.

How are you and your team well-positioned to deliver this solution?

The idea of TransHelp was conceived as a response to the profound health disparities and injustices experienced by marginalized communities, particularly transgender individuals and sexual minorities. As the Founder, I bring a personal connection to these communities, having witnessed firsthand the tragic consequences of societal discrimination and limited healthcare access among trans communities in our village. This experience ignited a passion to challenge societal taboos and myths through addressing health inequalities, and built a foundation to design community-engaged interventions throughout my career with government, non-for profit and multilateral agencies since 2010.

Similarly, TransHelp founding team includes individuals who intimately understand the challenges faced by these communities. Such as majority of our board members and team includes transgender and marginalized youth i.e. a Transwoman with decades of experience of gender-based violence, bringing a unique perspective and lived experience to the project. She led several advocacy and community mobilization initiatives, while working with GIZ, WHO, and other multilateral and community-based organizations.

Furthermore, the conception of TransHelp has been result of dedicated community-engaged research (survey) and training and stakeholder meetings in 2019-2020, ensuring that the design and implementation of TransHelp are guided by the communities' input, ideas, and agendas. The platform continue to amplifying underrepresented Voices as we specifically designed our services and tools to address the healthcare challenges and gaps faced by marginalized communities, including transgender individuals and sex workers. By giving voice and agency to these underrepresented groups, our spinout highlights the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences in shaping innovative solutions. Thus, core of our value lies at prioritizing community engagement, empowering individuals and fostering a sense of inclusion. This participatory approach is not just about delivering services but actively involving the community in shaping and driving the initiatives, ensuring sustainability and cultural relevance as evident in our achievements as among winning team for Gilead's Rainbow award of 68,000 US$, a top 10 health innovation worldwide, Asian regional winner by Gilead Sciences and top 6 in Asia-pacific social innovation award, serving more than 3500 communities in Pakistan.

Last but not least, our initiatives allows for customization Whether it's the development of specific AI algorithms or the design of legal aid programs, these solutions can be adapted to the unique challenges faced by different communities. Such as the UX design is inspired by these individuals and groups, which allowed us to gather valuable insights directly from the community. We continue to prioritize community feedback and input, providing opportunities for our users to actively participate in shaping the development of the platform. This inclusive approach ensures that TransHelp remains responsive to the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.

Which dimension of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?

Increase access to and quality of health services for medically underserved groups around the world (such as refugees and other displaced people, women and children, older adults, and LGBTQ+ individuals).

Which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals does your solution address?

3. Good Health and Well-Being
5. Gender Equality
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
10. Reduced Inequalities
17. Partnerships for the Goals

What is your solution’s stage of development?

Pilot

Please share details about why you selected the stage above.

TransHelp so far has achieved significant traction and demonstrated some proof-of-concept and piloting since its inception in late 2019, highlighting the viability and scalability of our initiative. Here you can watch a documentary about our work and below are some key indicators of our success:

Funding Records & Recognitions: TransHelp has secured substantial funding and recognition, showcasing investor confidence in our platform. We received the prestigious Gilead Sciences Asia-Pacific Rainbow award and were named among the recipient of a $78,000 grant. Additionally, we secured the inaugural NUMUN Fund of $10,000, further validating our potential to use Tech for social change and health equity. These funding records and recognitions demonstrate the recognition and support we have garnered for our innovative approach. Similarly, our case study was presented at Clinton School of Law, Swansea University, by Prof. Sara G. Correia.
Impactful Outreach, sensitization & training: Realizing the potential of mass and digital media, partnering with National TV (Pakistan Television, radio, and social media campaigns, helped us to reach and engage over half a million people, and trained more than 3,500 activists and marginalized communities and had downloads of 1000 apps on Google play store in 2020.
User feedback, partner’s feedback, results from Survey, and post-project evaluations further revealed a significant impact on improving knowledge, attitudes towards disease, combating stigmas, transphobia, and promoting positive sexual health and reproductive rights practices.
Partnerships with Service Providers: We have formed partnerships with key service providers such as doctors, hospitals and testing labs, CBOs, young lawyers associations, and human rights defenders, establishing a national coalition that supports health equity, trans and gender minorities rights in Pakistan and demonstrate the practicality and demand for our platform, as service providers recognize the value of connecting with marginalized communities through our platform.
Education Institution Collaboration: Realizing youth and education potential, we also have partnered with four universities (Iqra University, CECOSE, and UMT Lahore comprising over 85,000 students & faculty) in Pakistan to run youth-led campaigns, and advocacy efforts toward just and equal SHR rights. We provided internships to more than 100 graduate students and their testimonials are available here, here. Similarly, in partnership with academics at NUST, M&S Research Hub Germany, and the Youth Advocacy Council, a quasi-experiment, evaluating the impact of our platform on health outcomes is further scheduled. These collaborations further demonstrate the recognition of TransHelp's potential to drive positive change in marginalized communities.

The recognitions, small fundings, and partnerships we have garnered, along with the significant reach and impact of our platform, validate the effectiveness and potential for growth. We remain committed to expanding our reach, refining our services, and maximizing our impact on health inequality, violence, and transphobia faced by marginalized communities in Pakistan and beyond.

Why are you applying to Solve?

Financial Barriers: Access to funding has been crucial factor for scaling our platform and reaching more individuals in need. Besides Solver grant, we believe that this opportunity can help us connect with potential investors, donors, and philanthropic organizations within the MIT ecosystem who are interested in supporting health equity initiatives. Additionally, Solve's network may provide access to grant opportunities and venture capital networks.
Technical Barriers: As a health-tech startup, we rely on cutting-edge technologies and research capabilities, particularly related to behavioral economics, AI and advanced computing, to revolutionize healthcare accessibility and fighting against the stigmas. MIT Solve can facilitate connections with technical experts, researchers/faculty, and industry partners within MIT's academic and innovation ecosystem. We are particularly looking to 1) enhance user-friendly UXI 2) develop AI-ML algorithms, to predict HIV/STI elevated risks among key populations, diagnosis of STDs and optimize our chatbot functionality, 3) access to cloud computing and mass communication channels including AWS, Google servers, API access for SMS and IVR, access to mass payment channels for easy payment collection processes, access to retail customer touchpoints, access to technical and commercial support and gain visibility and credibility 4) partnership with Behavioral economist at MIT, and Tech-giants which enable us to get access to these tools and tech expertise and assist our team in refining our AI integration, optimize cloud computing resources, and advance our technological and research tools to overcome these challenges and enhance user experience.
Legal Barriers: Operating in the healthcare space involves navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes. Solve can connect us with legal experts within the MIT community who can provide guidance on compliance issues, data privacy regulations, and intellectual property rights based on previous solver of similar health-tech nature. These partnerships can help us ensure legal compliance and mitigate legal risks as we scale our operations and expand our reach in Pakistan and United States.
Cultural Barriers: Overcoming societal taboos and stigma surrounding sexual health and gender identity is crucial for fostering trust and engagement with our platform. In tech communities in Pakistan, stigma and fear surrounding support for trans-friendly tech solutions persist, making it challenging to hire and retain dedicated team members. For example, it took us over 5 months to find and convince a technological developer to engage with us due to taboos around working on trans and sexual health-related projects. By leveraging cultural insights and community input, we can tailor our solutions to meet the specific needs and preferences of diverse populations, promoting acceptance and inclusivity.
Market entry: Despite the demand for our solution, reaching underserved communities poses huge challenges. We seek MIT Solve's expertise in product design, marketing, research, and partnerships to expand into new markets, including BIPOC communities in Greater Boston and the USA, and other developing regions.

In which of the following areas do you most need partners or support?

Financial (e.g. accounting practices, pitching to investors)
Product / Service Distribution (e.g. delivery, logistics, expanding client base)
Technology (e.g. software or hardware, web development/design)

Who is the Team Lead for your solution?

Dr. Mohsin Khan Founder & CEO

What makes your solution innovative?

TransHelp approaches the problem of healthcare access for marginalized communities in a unique and multifaceted manner. By integrating AI and creative art, such as short animations, texts and IEC material, we have extended our reach beyond Pakistan to address the needs of marginalized communities in other developing countries grappling with HIV/AIDS endemic and transphobic/STI/HIV related stigmas. By leveraging harnesses the transformative power of storytelling, employing engaging and culturally relevant content such as short animations, notifications/messages and multimedia resources. These storytelling techniques, informed by the Founder's expertise in Behavioral Change Communication (BCC) and research in behavioral economics, serve as effective educational tools and nudges to raise awareness about sexual health, mental health, and gender-based violence (GBV) [1, 2, 3]. By portraying real-life experiences and struggles, TransHelp empowers individuals to understand and address health challenges in their communities, fostering a sense of agency and resilience.

Similarly, integrating on-ground presence, TransHelp actively advocates for the rights and dignity of marginalized communities and amplify their voices and driving social change. Through a blend of in-person and digital advocacy campaigns on social media platforms, along with community engagement initiatives and legal support services, we aim to diminish stigma, discrimination, and healthcare inequalities and reducing digital barriers. Furthermore, we aim to incorporate audio-visual support features, enabling direct connections between users and healthcare service providers in real-time. This innovative approach fosters trust and reliability in accessing healthcare services remotely, especially for individuals in remote areas facing barriers to traditional healthcare and internet access.

Additionally, our the AI and ML-based diagnosis capabilities for STIs, ensuring accurate and confidential testing while reducing the stigma associated with seeking STI testing in traditional healthcare settings is also unique. By integrating advanced algorithms, we can provide timely diagnosis at a lower cost compared to traditional methods. In addition to that, TransHelp utilizes AI-driven predictive modeling to analyze electronic health record (EHR) data and identify individuals at elevated risk of HIV. By integrating various parameters from EHRs, such as behavioral patterns, freindship and social networks, our platform can provide targeted interventions and timely provision of healthcare resources, preventive measures, and legal aid, ultimately reducing the incidence of HIV transmission within vulnerable populations.

Lastly, TransHelp expands its scientific basis by incorporating AI capabilities for mood analysis in mental health support. By analyzing users' moods through images and videos, our algorithm tailors mental health recommendations based on mood analysis, integrating elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This digital platform for CBT ensures accessibility and user-friendliness, providing evidence-based interventions for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

Describe in simple terms how and why you expect your solution to have an impact on the problem.

The overarching goal of our initiative is to address healthcare disparity faced by marginalized communities through a multifaceted approach and reduce incidence of HIV/STD, mental ailments and GBV (i.e. transphobia) in Pakistan. By integrating AI, creative art and nudging, we want to extend our reach beyond Pakistan to support marginalized communities worldwide, combating HIV/AIDS endemic and stigmas related to sexual health. Our platform also aims to incorporates on-ground presence and audio-visual support, fostering trust and reliability in remote healthcare access. Through AI-based diagnosis for STIs and predictive modeling for HIV risk, we aim to ensure timely and confidential testing, reducing stigma and lowering diagnostic costs. Additionally, our mood analysis feature tailors mental health support based on users' emotional states, promoting accessibility and user-friendliness. User and partner feedback, along with survey results, demonstrate significant impact in improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to sexual health, combating stigma and transphobia, and promoting positive reproductive rights practices. Our ongoing efforts include incorporating ML-based surveys and data collection to track knowledge, attitudes, practices, and behavioral changes among users, further strengthening our impact. we already have a research study "Disinformed or Discrimination? Explaining the Low Take-Up of PrEP among youth and sex workers in Pakistan" that will be used to ascertain the impact of our work on improving the health outcomes and reducing barriers in access to health-care. Based on our TOC, our logframe would look like as follow: (tentative)

What are your impact goals for your solution and how are you measuring your progress towards them?

The impact goals for TransHelp are centered around addressing healthcare disparity faced by marginalized communities in Pakistan, particularly transgender individuals and sexual minorities. Our primary aim is to reduce the incidence of HIV/STDs, mental ailments, and gender-based violence (transphobia) in these communities. To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we will utilize a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators (see also the logframe based on Theory of Change):

User engagement and trainings: How many users use our technology and solution, and service providers are being trained

Reduction in Incidence: We measure the percentage reduction in the incidence of HIV/STDs and mental ailments among marginalized communities. This is done through health outcome data analysis, comparing pre-intervention and post-intervention rates.

Community Surveys & Narratives: We conduct surveys (pre and post evaluation) as well as narrative analysis within marginalized communities and service providers, to assess changes in awareness, attitudes, and behaviors related to sexual health, mental health, and gender-based violence. The number of surveys conducted provides a quantitative and qualitative measure of community engagement.

Incidence Reports and Case Records: We track the number of reported cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and document the cases to understand the prevalence and nature of violence faced by transgender individuals and sexual minorities. This helps us assess the effectiveness of our interventions in addressing GBV.

Financial Records: We monitor the allocation of financial resources to ensure adequate funding for program activities aimed at addressing healthcare disparities and promoting well-being among marginalized communities.

Team Member Roster: We track the number of team members involved in the initiative to ensure sufficient human capital for effective implementation of program activities.

AI Algorithm Success Rate: For technological inputs, such as AI algorithms for STI diagnosis and HIV risk prediction, we measure the success rate of these algorithms in accurately identifying cases. This helps us assess the reliability and effectiveness of our digital healthcare solutions.

Partnership Agreements: We keep track of the number of partnerships established with healthcare providers and community organizations to expand the reach of our services and enhance collaboration in addressing healthcare disparities.

Describe the core technology that powers your solution.

TransHelp integrates technology, creative art (animations, storytelling, nudging), and advocacy to address healthcare disparities and promote the rights and well-being of marginalized communities, particularly transgender individuals and sexual minorities, in Pakistan.

Integrated Technology: The current platform have app that uses flutter, AWS cloud platform, SMS and google API. In addition, we will leverages advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, real-time audio-visual support, mobile health platforms, google API and SMS technology. To facilitate accurate and confidential diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and prediction of HIV risks among vulnerable populations, these algorithms will analyze electronic health record (EHR) data, behavioral patterns, and social networks to identify elevated risks and provide targeted interventions and will enable us to seamless communicate between users and healthcare providers (through audio-visual support), ensuring timely assistance and personalized recommendations.

Power of Creative Art, Storytelling and Nudging: Besides technology, TransHelp also harnesses the transformative power of storytelling, employing engaging and culturally relevant content such as short animations, notifications/messages and multimedia resources. These storytelling techniques, informed by the Founder's expertise in Behavioral Change Communication (BCC) and research in behavioral economics, serve as effective educational tools and nudges to raise awareness about sexual health, mental health, and gender-based violence (GBV) [1, 2, 3]. By portraying real-life experiences and struggles, TransHelp empowers individuals to understand and address health challenges in their communities, fostering a sense of agency and resilience. Similarly, TransHelp advocates for the rights and dignity of marginalized communities by amplifying their voices and promoting social change. Through both in-person and digital advocacy campaigns on Social Media, community engagement initiatives, and legal support services, TransHelp works to reduce stigma, discrimination, and healthcare inequalities. By advocating for inclusive policies and fostering supportive environments, TransHelp strives to create a more equitable and accepting society for all individuals.

By combining technology, creative art, behavioral economics and advocacy, TransHelp adopts a holistic approach to address complex health and social issues. This multifaceted strategy enables TransHelp to empower marginalized communities, improve access to healthcare services, and promote positive change at individual, community, and societal levels.

Which of the following categories best describes your solution?

A new application of an existing technology

Please select the technologies currently used in your solution:

Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
Audiovisual Media
Big Data
Crowd Sourced Service / Social Networks
GIS and Geospatial Technology
Imaging and Sensor Technology
Software and Mobile Applications

In which countries do you currently operate?

Pakistan

Which, if any, additional countries will you be operating in within the next year?

Nigeria
South Africa
Uganda
United States
Zimbabwe

How many people work on your solution team?

4 Full-time, 6 part time, 1 cybersecurity contractor and 100 volunteers. Our staff and members includes:

Medical Doctors
AI and ML Experts
Policy, Business and strategic development
Developers (back-front end)
Lawyers

How long have you been working on your solution?

Three years

Tell us about how you ensure that your team is diverse, minimizes barriers to opportunity for staff, and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members.

Ensuring diversity and fostering inclusive environment within our organization and team is a top priority for TransHelp. Additionally, our board of directors is predominantly (60%) composed of individuals from underrepresented groups, including youth, women, transgender individuals, and marginalized communities. This diverse leadership ensures that our organization's decisions and priorities are inclusive and representative of the communities we serve Similarly, to minimize barriers to opportunity, we provide equal access to professional development opportunities, mentorship programs, and leadership roles. We strive to create a supportive environment where all team members feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives. We have implemented policies and practices to promote inclusivity, such as zero-tolerance for discrimination or harassment, regular diversity and inclusion training, and open channels for feedback and communication. We actively listen to the concerns and needs of our team members and take proactive steps to address any issues that arise.

What is your business model?

Incepted as social enterprise, we primarily provided our services free of cost since 2020. However, we continue to strive to design our business model to balance social impact with financial sustainability. While grant funding remains a significant source of income for TransHelp, we are actively working to expand our revenue streams and partnerships to ensure long-term viability. Such as we follow a subscription based model and start to operate within the B2B, B2C, and B2G spaces, offering a range of products and services to diverse customers and beneficiaries. Our primary focus is on serving marginalized communities, particularly transgender individuals and sexual minorities, as well as government and multilateral agencies, academia, healthcare providers, NGOs, and corporate entities.

For our B2B customers, such as government, academia, multilateral agencies UN (i.e. UNAIDS), hospitals, and corporate entities, we will offer subscription-based models tailored to their needs. This includes access to our comprehensive platform, which provides services such as HIV risk assestment and diagnosis, and treatment of STIs, mental health support, legal aid referral, predictive modeling and EHR. Our pricing structure for B2B clients ranges from $100 to $150 per subscription, depending on the level of service, scale, and customization required.

In the B2C space, we will provide individual appointments with healthcare providers, video subscriptions, and access to informative materials and educational content. Individual consultations are priced at $1.5 to $2 per session, ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare services for our end-users and considering poverty estimates in Pakistan. Additionally, video subscriptions, animations, and other educational materials are offered at competitive prices, typically around $1 for every two videos or animations.

Furthermore, we will generate revenue through partnerships with community groups and organizations, offering discounted subscription rates for collective memberships. Communities and groups can avail our subscription-based model for less than $3 per user, providing cost-effective solutions for healthcare access. Therefore, by providing valuable services and solutions to our customers and beneficiaries, we aim to address healthcare disparities and improve the overall well-being of marginalized communities in Pakistan and beyond.

Do you primarily provide products or services directly to individuals, to other organizations, or to the government?

Individual consumers or stakeholders (B2C)

What is your plan for becoming financially sustainable, and what evidence can you provide that this plan has been successful so far?

TransHelp has secured some funding in the form of personal donation and competitive grants. Such as the prestigious Gilead Sciences Asia-Pacific Rainbow award and were named among the recipient of a $78,000 grant. Additionally, we secured the inaugural NUMUN Fund of $10,000, further validating our potential to use Tech for social change and health equity. While in long-run with support of Solve, we aim to diversify our income and revenue i.e.

Subscription-Based Services: By offering subscription-based services to a range of customers, including government agencies, healthcare providers, NGOs, UN, academia, corporate entities, and community groups. These subscriptions provide access to our comprehensive platform, which includes services such as HIV counseling and testing, diagnosis and treatment of STIs, mental health support, legal aid referral, safety measures, and SOS services. By offering tiered pricing structures tailored to the needs of different customer segments, we aim to generate recurring revenue streams that contribute to our financial sustainability.
Individual Consultations and Educational Materials: We generate revenue through individual appointments with healthcare providers, video subscriptions, and the sale of educational materials and content. These services are priced affordably to ensure accessibility for our end-users while generating revenue for our organization.
Partnerships and Service Contracts: TransHelp seeks to establish partnerships and service contracts with governments, healthcare providers, academic and research institutions, and other organizations to provide our platform as a solution for addressing healthcare disparities among marginalized communities. These contracts may include provisions for service fees, licensing fees, or revenue-sharing arrangements.
Investment Capital: In the long term, TransHelp may explore opportunities to raise investment capital to support growth and expansion initiatives. This could involve seeking investment from impact investors, venture capitalists, or social impact funds that align with our mission and goals.