Introduction – NOUL’s Mission and Commitment to SDG 3
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NOUL’s 2023-2024 sustainability report tells us a story about the company’s dedication to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) good health and well-being. As a purpose-driven organization, NOUL addresses global healthcare challenges through innovative and accessible diagnostic solutions, especially in underserved regions.
NOUL‘s miLab™ platform is powered by on-device AI and performs decentralized diagnostics. This exemplifies their approach to bridge healthcare gaps. The automation of diagnostic processes allows miLab™ to ensure hospital-grade accuracy even in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
This approach aligns with NOUL‘s vision to save lives and impact over a billion people globally.
NOUL’s 5 Key Sustainability Focus Areas
Improvement in Access to Healthcare
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NOUL‘s diagnostics revolutionize healthcare accessibility. The miLab™ MAL for malaria diagnosis is available in 19 countries, with 24,000 diagnostic cartridges distributed exclusively to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in 2023 alone.
With a sensitivity of 94.4% and specificity of 98.1% for Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) and 97.0% sensitivity and 97.6% specificity for Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax), the miLab™ MAL ensures fast and reliable results in resource-limited settings.
Compliance, Ethics, and Risk Management
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Ethical operations underpin NOUL’s sustainability strategy. Policies and training ensure compliance with international standards. The company has zero non-conformities in its 2023 ISO 13485 audit. It also implemented over 105 risk controls to enhance operational safety.
Sound and Sustainable Governance
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Transparent governance is a hallmark of NOUL‘s decision-making process. The sustainability report highlights stakeholder engagement and diverse leadership, with 20% of directors being women and 40% external members, and a 100% Board attendance rate. Their governance strategy ensures alignment with long-term sustainability objectives.
Responsible and Inclusive Workplace
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NOUL promotes a workplace culture focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Training programs and family-friendly certifications ensure employee well-being, resulting in 100% return rates after parental leave. Additionally, the company reported a high workplace satisfaction score of 8.95/10 and an average of 26.9 training hours per employee. Our DEI efforts reflect NOUL’s broader commitment to sustainability and social equity.
The Protection of the Planet
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NOUL integrates eco-conscious practices into every stage of product development. The adoption of recyclable packaging and significant reductions in reagent use, along with a 14.3% decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from office operations, highlight NOUL‘s commitment to mitigating environmental impact. Additionally, the transition to greener manufacturing processes, aimed at reducing waste and energy consumption, further emphasizes their dedication to sustainability.
On-Device AI and Decentralized Diagnostics: Catalysts for Healthcare Equity
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On-device AI enables precise and automated diagnostics directly at the point of care, eliminating reliance on central laboratories. Combined with lab-on-a-chip technology and real-time communication, decentralized diagnostics enable localized testing, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
How to Enhance Healthcare Accessibility
NOUL‘s miLab™ platform integrates on-device AI to provide rapid and reliable results for conditions such as malaria and cervical cancer. The miLab™ CER simplifies cervical cancer screening, which addresses gender disparities in healthcare and reduces diagnostic workloads for clinicians.
Here are a few examples of real-world success stories:
- miLab™ MAL – It demonstrates diagnostic accuracy comparable to WHO-certified Level 1 microscopists, with 94.4% sensitivity and 98.1% specificity for P. falciparum, showcasing the potential of decentralized solutions in malaria diagnosis.
- miLab™ CER – It expands early detection capabilities for cervical cancer. This is critical for underserved populations.
Sustainability in Innovation and Design
NOUL‘s focus on sustainable innovation is very clear in its products and operations.
Eco-friendly Design and Manufacturing
The miLab™ system minimizes environmental impact through reduced reagent consumption, recyclable packaging, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes. These features align with the company’s goal to advance sustainability and ensure diagnostic excellence.
On-Device AI for Sustainability
The integration of AI reduces the need for repeated testing and excess resource usage. NOUL‘s diagnostics provide scalable solutions that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Decentralized Diagnostics and Environmental Impact
Decentralized testing significantly lowers the carbon footprint that’s associated with the transportation of samples to centralized labs.
Key Achievements from NOUL’s 2023-2024 Sustainability Report
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The sustainability report highlights several milestones that demonstrate NOUL’s progress toward advancing SDG 3 good health and well-being:
Healthcare and Product Milestones
- Expanded miLab™ solutions to 22 countries. There is a cumulative distribution of over 159,000 diagnostic cartridges around the globe.
- Clinical performance for malaria diagnostics is comparable to WHO-certified standards, which confirms the reliability of decentralized solutions.
Environmental Achievements
- Achieved a 14.3% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from office operations.
- Avoided over 28,000 single-use cups through in-house sustainability initiatives.
Workplace and Governance Highlights
- 600 hours of sustainability training completed by employees.
- Enhanced DEI initiatives. This results in a high workplace satisfaction score of 8.95/10.
Conclusion
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NOUL‘s sustainability report underscores its indispensable role in advancing SDG 3 good health and well-being through innovative diagnostics and sustainable practices.
We invite stakeholders, healthcare providers, and partners to collaborate with NOUL in expanding access to quality healthcare solutions, driving the achievement of SDG 3 good health and well-being globally.
Learn more by exploring NOUL’s 2023-2024 Sustainability Report.