Our Story
With modest beginnings starting over 35 years ago, Health Partners International Canada (HPIC) has grown into an international charity that provides treatment to over a million people every year.
HPIC is set apart by its unique relationship with Canada’s pharmaceutical industry to receive and handle donations of medicine and medical supplies.
Each year, we continue to grow in our capacity to deliver health and hope to those who need it most. HPIC works with many partners, including Canadian healthcare professionals, government and non-government organizations, companies, foundations, and everyday Canadians to bring health to children and families.
OUR VISION
To improve access to medicine and healthcare in vulnerable communities by creating hope and enabling positive community transformation.
OUR MISSION
To increase access to medicine and improve health in vulnerable communities by:
- Equipping medical mission teams
- Stocking clinics and hospitals in impoverished communities
- Mobilizing medical relief during emergencies
- Building local healthcare capacity
OUR VALUES
To work as a relief and development organization without discrimination and according to Christian values, to increase access to medicine and improve health in the developing world.
Why Health?
At least half of the world’s population lacks access to essential health services.
The majority of these people live in extreme poverty and are often forced to choose between food and healthcare for their families.
Poverty and poor health are closely connected. Poverty increases the chances of poor health and poor health traps communities in poverty.
Access to healthcare changes everything. It leads to better education and income opportunities for children and families, empowerment for individuals and communities, and hope for a brighter future for everyone.
50% of people
across the globe lack access to essential healthcare.
Access to healthcare changes just about everything.
Education
Healthy children learn better and are more likely to participate fully in their communities and societies.
Productivity
Healthy families are more productive. Breadwinners can go to work and provide for their families in good health.
Empowerment
Healthy women are more empowered and are able to make positive decisions in their lives and act on them.
Economic Development
Healthy communities are able to boost economic growth and progress for their countries.
Our History
1990
1990
HPIC’s operations officially began when 5 pharmaceutical companies and a handful of individuals came together to respond to a devastating earthquake in Iran.
1990-1999
HPIC's unique partnership with the Canadian pharmaceutical industry was developed and our mission began to take shape.
2000
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) funded HPIC's first long-term development project in Cuba.
2004
2004
HPIC had our first large-scale emergency response, providing over $2M in medicines to Afghanistan, gaining national recognition for our efforts.
2007
HPIC opened our Mississauga Distribution Center with the presence and support of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
2011
HPIC joined the Health+Hope Alliance, a partnership made up of 3 organizations in Canada, the US and UK working towards a common mission of increasing access to medicines.
2011
The Jake Epp Mission Development Fund (JEMDF) was established to enable HPIC to expand our work with a particular focus on women’s and children’s health.
2015
2015
HPIC's Distribution Center relocated to our current location in Oakville.
2016
HPIC reached its first major milestone - $500M in medicines delivered!
2016
2016
HPIC launched the Pamoja Project, which aims to improve the health of pregnant women, mothers and children living in vulnerable communities in Kenya.
2019
2019
The H.O.P.E. Project was established to improve the delivery of essential healthcare services to underserved communities in Ghana, with a particular emphasis on pregnant women, mothers, and children under 5.
2021
HPIC and local partner, ANERA, developed a new project in Lebanon: A NeoLife Project that addresses the medical needs of premature babies.
2023
2023
HPIC surpassed $30M in medicines mobilized towards our Emergency Response in Ukraine.
2023
HPIC makes history with a record-breaking year - nearly $50M in medicines delivered to 39 countries!
2025
Health Partners International Canada celebrates 35 years of delivering health and hope!
