Healthy Entrepreneurs among top 30 WHO Africa Innovation Challenge
Healthy Entrepreneurs among top 30 WHO Africa Innovation Challenge
The World Health Organisation Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) has selected the finalists from 2471 applications — with more than a third of these from women — from a total of 77 countries, 44 of them from Africa. A panel of independent evaluators selected the top 30 based on their impact potential, as well the innovation’s ability to scale in a sustainable way.
“Health innovators have found a new home at WHO, where their innovative ideas will be supported in partnership with our network of stakeholders,” says WHO regional director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti. “The extent of the response to the challenge affirms the enthusiasm among young people to make a difference and contribute to the health-care system on the continent.” The top 30 solutions range from rapid molecular tests, mobile health apps to data analytics software.
Healthy Entrepreneurs innovation
Healthy Entrepreneurs is an innovative local solution that selects and trains community health workers as health entrepreneurs. These community health workers pay a commitment fee and receive a starter kit of basic health products, as well as a solar-powered tablet that is equipped with an ordering app. Aidsfonds and Healthy Entrepreneurs have jointly rolled out this innovative approach in Uganda (Sparked Women and GUSO Flexi projects)and Kenya, with promising results.
The top 30 innovations will be showcased on 26 March — on the opening day of the second WHO Africa Health Forum — in Praia, Cape Verde.