An important underlying cause of all deaths in the modern world is poverty. The World Health Organization (WHO) and others repeatedly point out that these "diseases of poverty" are also a major constraint to economic development.  Almost half the world — over 3 billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day and yet the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the 41 Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (567 million people) is less than the wealth of the world’s 7 richest people.

The Microfinance and Base of Pyramid sector features organisations who lend to individuals and small entrepreneurial businesses in the form of microloans.  These boost household income among some of the poorest families that would otherwise have no access to finance.  Money is often lent to co-operatives or groups of women and allows families to move beyond day to day survival, to plan for the future and invest in better nutrition, housing, health and education for their children.

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