Anna Szerb’s work with nurse-entrepreneurs is changing the face of healthcare in South Africa
Tucked away in the townships of South Africa, a quiet revolution is taking place in healthcare. Unjani Clinics, housed in repurposed shipping containers, bring affordable and accessible healthcare to thousands of South Africans who would otherwise struggle to access basic medical services.
The clinics’ success stems from their unique approach to empowering nurse entrepreneurs, who are trained not only in medical care but also in the business skills necessary to run their own primary care practices. And, as the nurses drive change, Anna Szerb drives progress, using the innovative model to inspire other social impact entrepreneurs globally.
“The nurses essentially become the owners of the clinics,” says Szerb, who took up her position at NYU Abu Dhabi in September 2024. “They’re responsible for everything from revenues and costs to hiring staff with fixed, affordable prices for patients set by Unjani Clinics, ensuring that care remains accessible.”
An Assistant Professor of Management at NYU Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi, Szerb initially partnered with Unjani Clinics while studying for a Ph.D. in Management at French business school INSEAD. Now, she hopes her research can inspire change for underserved communities that need it most.
“These clinics are a lifeline for so many people,” says Szerb. “Patients no longer have to wait hours, or even days, to see a healthcare provider. They can get treatment for common conditions like coughs and wounds, or pick up essential medications, all within their own communities.”
A delicate balance of entrepreneurship and social impact has driven the rapid growth of the Unjani network, from just 60 clinics to nearly 200 in a matter of years. And the implications of Szerb’s work extend far beyond South Africa. As she continues to unpack the organizational secrets behind Unjani Clinics’ growth and impact, Szerb believes the model could be replicated in other developing regions facing similar healthcare gaps.
“This isn’t just about creating profitable businesses,” she says. “It’s about designing systems that put people first and prioritize social good alongside financial sustainability. If we can learn from successes like the Unjani Clinics, we may be able to bring quality healthcare within reach of millions more around the world.”
With her passion for impact-driven research, Szerb is at the forefront of a movement to redefine the role of business in solving some of society’s most pressing challenges. And through her work with Unjani Clinics, she is proving that innovation and compassion can go hand in hand.