Strengthening public health systems and the care they provide
Examples of our work
Large-scale health information platform development
We managed the concept, design, build, launch and staff training of a comprehensive public health data platform to empower patients, with a special focus on vulnerable populations. The platform provides easy access to lab, clinical, and immunization data for speedier care delivery and connects an ecosystem of millions of patients with over 20,000 licensed prescribers, and over 5,000 pharmacies. It has also tracked over two million historical immunization records and the dispensation of more than 60 million medications.
Supporting COVID-19 response
We supported a US state throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, helping establish an expansive nerve center to support data-driven decision-making. We helped drive a rapid expansion of testing access with emphasis on the most vulnerable and difficult-to-reach populations, and the launch of both traditional and app-based contact tracing. We supported the development and management of the end-to-end infrastructure for vaccine deployment, resulting in over 75 percent vaccination coverage for eligible populations. As the state transitions to an endemic “next normal,” we have shifted our efforts to expand COVID-19 data and analytics capabilities to encompass other major public health priorities.
Strengthening drug supply chains in Nigeria
We provided support to a major development partner to design and roll-out state-managed drug revolving funds (DRFs) in three states in Nigeria. The DRFs work to strengthen the drug supply chain, creating sustainable processes and infrastructure that will ensure consistent availability of quality-assured health supplies. Since we completed this work in 2021, the development partner has proceeded to roll out further DRFs based on this model in three additional states.
Featured experts

Matt Wilson
Senior PartnerNew York
Brings extensive expertise across the healthcare sector; currently helping to lead McKinsey’s global client response to COVID-19...

Dr. Pooja Kumar
Senior PartnerPhiladelphia
Serves health systems on large-scale performance transformations and leads our work in US public health; global leader of the...
Resources
Coronavirus resources
Explore McKinsey’s curated collection on the business outlook for 2021 and beyond—plus insights about how companies can emerge stronger from the coronavirus crisis.
Coronavirus interactives
Interactive data displays to inform decisions on protecting lives and livelihoods amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Coronavirus tools
Resources to help government, business, and healthcare leaders navigate the COVID-19 crisis.
Open access vulnerable populations dataset
The McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) builds upon McKinsey’s prior work to improve the health and wellbeing of society.
United States of Health dashboard
Explore health outcomes, access to care, and health risks management with the United States of Health Dashboard.
When will the COVID-19 pandemic end?
Europe and the United States have entered the endemic stage of the COVID-19 outbreak: the virus is widespread, is significantly less fatal than it was in 2020, and is spurring only limited changes in public behavior.
Featured insights
Article
Tracking public-health outcomes across the United States
-
Explore health outcomes, access to care, and health risks management with the United States of Health Dashboard.
Delivering Pandemic Vaccines in 100 Days — What Will It Take?
-
The development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in less than 1 year was a scientific triumph.
Interactive - McKinsey Health Institute
Scale what works: The benefits of proven health interventions
-
Interactive visualization showing the opportunity to extend and improve life through known health interventions.
Article
Unlocking digital healthcare in lower- and middle-income countries
-
COVID-19 led many healthcare systems in lower- and middle-income countries to adapt digital-healthcare platforms.
Article
Pandemic to endemic: How the world can learn to live with COVID-19
-
With prospects of herd immunity fading, endemic COVID-19 is upon us, and new “whole of society” approaches are needed.
Article
Not the last pandemic: Investing now to reimagine public-health systems
-
The COVID-19 crisis reminds us how underprepared the world was to detect and respond to emerging infectious diseases. Smart investments...
Article
Africa needs vaccines. What would it take to make them here?
-
For decades, private companies, investors, and public-health leaders have taken a pass on domestic vaccine manufacturing. But...
Report - MGI Research
Prioritizing health: A prescription for prosperity
-
Could 65 be the new 55? Each year, poor health takes a heavy societal and economic toll. Improving the health of the world’s...
Keep exploring
McKinsey’s work for social sector, healthcare, and public entities
Supporting those who serve society
Healthcare
Discover how our team of consultants works with healthcare leaders to deliver better care, increase quality of life, and improve global outcomes.
McKinsey Health Institute
The McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) is an enduring, non-profit-generating entity within the firm. It was founded on the conviction that, over the next decade, humanity could add as much as 45 billion extra years of higher-quality life (roughly 6 years per person on average—and substantially more in some countries and populations).
Life Sciences
We work with innovators in life sciences to help them outperform and innovate across the life sciences industries