This document is an update of an earlier edition published in 2006 and primarily focuses attention on the strategy of integrating microfinance services with health education. Highlighted within are MCS's and UNFPA’s joint global efforts to empower women using this strategy, employing methodology developed by and receiving training in its use by a key partner, Freedom from Hunger.

Included is analysis from innovative work in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Of special note are the results from a pilot project in India that shows how local capacity can effectively be built to accelerate the large-scale global adoption of integration. The document also serves as a call to action for development agencies, governments, microfinance institutions (MFIs), and donors to invest in this strategy that holds the promise of making many of the MDG targets truly achievable. The final section offers eight concrete recommendations for action to realize the potential of the “combined services” approach of integrating microfinance services with health education. All eight actions rely on the development agencies, governments, MFIs and donors to promote integrated health education and microfinance while championing microfinance as one of the pillars for meeting the MDGs.