Co-founded in 2006 by Priti Krishtel and Tahir Amin, I-MAK (Initiative for Medicines, Access & Knowledge) is a nonprofit that challenges systemic injustice and advocates for health equity in drug development and access. What’s the problem? From drug development to drug affordability, the medicines system affects who lives and who dies. While the healthcare system gets a lot of public scrutiny and accountability, the medicines system does not. We believe the current design of the medicines system prioritizes private interests over public good. Why I-MAK? As veterans of the global access to medicines movement for nearly 20 years, we have created a framework that integrates deep analytical research, stakeholder informed collaboration, and a voice in the media to activate change through education. Through research, partnerships, and education, I-MAK advances solutions to address structural inequity in the medicines system. I-MAK illuminates where market failures and structural inequities cost lives and livelihoods, and creates inclusive dialogue to advance solutions for health equity. Today, we’re creating a more inclusive and participatory model for change – that includes partnering with a wide range of stakeholders, while creating new spaces and platforms for those most affected to be heard and empowered to drive solutions forward. The power dynamics of the current system have to be reimagined to save millions of lives worldwide.
