Wrapping up a Transformative Journey: The Africa Young Innovators for Health Award’s Second Edition
As we close the chapter on the second edition of the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award, we reflect on an inspiring journey marked by innovation, collaboration, and significant milestones.
The Beginning
The Africa Young Innovators for Health Award was born out of a vision to harness the potential of Africa’s youthful population. International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) and Speak Up Africa (SUA) recognized the need to support young innovators with funding, mentorship, and exposure. This initiative has provided a platform for young minds to shine, addressing some of the most pressing health issues faced by the continent.
After a successful first edition, the Award, was expanded for a second edition in 2023, with a focus on Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The applications for the program opened in early 2023, and after a rigorous selection process, the winners were announced on October 4th, 2023. The announcement marks the beginning of an intensive period of growth and learning. This included Business Mentorship, where they worked closely with seasoned entrepreneurs to refine their business strategies, and Media Training, which equipped them with the skills to effectively communicate their ideas and stories to the public and media. They also participated in an Intellectual Property Clinic, ensuring their innovations were well-protected. A notable addition to the program this year was the “Meet the Experts” segment, providing the awardees with invaluable insights from industry leaders.. Throughout the program, winners had multiple opportunities to present at speaking events and expand their networks, paving the way for future success and collaboration.
Key Highlights of Our Journey
Award Ceremony at Galien Forum Afrique
Our journey reached a significant milestone on October 4, 2023, during the Youth Forum of the 6th Galien Forum Africa, in Dakar, Senegal. It was a day of celebration, filled with insightful discussions and recognition of the groundbreaking work of our young innovators to advance UHC. The energy and enthusiasm at the event were palpable, setting the stage for future collaborations and advancements in health innovation as the four chosen winners, Teniola Adedeji, Moses Ochora (represented by Sheeba Niwensiima), Muhammad Abdullahi and Nura Izath, received their awards.
Teniola Adedeji’s Pharmarun is an on-demand platform that connects users with pharmacies, providing easy access to a wide range of medications, reducing time and costs in obtaining essential drugs. Moses Ochora’s PhotoKabada is a remotely monitored phototherapy device treating multiple babies simultaneously with a 360-degree irradiation system, solar-charged batteries, and vital signs monitoring, enhancing access to effective phototherapy. Muhammad Abdullahi’s Trash 4 Health allows people to exchange plastic waste for essential medications, addressing both high drug costs for chronic diseases and the environmental issue of plastic waste. Nura Izath’s Neosave has developed Autothermo, a medical device targeting neonatal hypothermia, helping healthcare workers timely identify and manage newborns with hypothermia, reducing neonatal mortality rates and easing the burden on healthcare staff.
The Africa Health Tech Summit in Kigali, Kenya was another highlight, uniting digital transformation with cutting-edge healthcare solutions. Our winners took the stage to share their insights and innovations. They participated in panels on health security, Africa Women in Digital Health (AWiDH), and youth leadership, engaging with industry leaders and policymakers. The summit not only showcased their innovations but also provided invaluable networking opportunities, fostering partnerships that will drive meaningful change.
During Digital Health Week, our award winners were at the forefront of discussions on the role of digital health in achieving UHC. They participated in events like the Youth Experts Tech for Health (YET4H) side event, emphasizing the importance of meaningful youth engagement in digital health. Their contributions highlighted how young people are shaping the future of healthcare with their innovative solutions.
Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) 2023
At the CPHIA in Lusaka, Zambia, our innovators engaged in crucial conversations about youth leadership and digital transformation in health. Their involvement underscored the importance of integrating young voices in public health decision-making. Through their innovative solutions and passionate advocacy, they demonstrated that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but also the changemakers of today.
Business Mentorship Program Launch
The launch of our Business Mentorship Program marked another pivotal moment. Esteemed mentors like Carl Manlan (Vice President, Inclusive Impact & Sustainability, central & Eastern Europ Middle East and Africa, Visa), Pier Spinazze (Head of Strategy, Launch Africa Ventures), Chahir Fahmy (Senior Regional Manager, Partner Success- Europe, Middle East & Africa, Microsoft) , and Nithya Ramanathan (CEO & Co-Founder of Nexleaf) provided personalized guidance to our innovators, accelerating their journeys from concept to impactful solutions. This mentorship has equipped our young leaders with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape.
Media Training Program
Our young innovators participated in a comprehensive Media Training program led by Joy Muraya, Media Expert. This training focused on media engagement, storytelling, and digital communication, equipping participants with the skills needed to effectively share their health innovations with the world. The program not only enhanced their communication abilities but also provided them with invaluable networking opportunities, fostering a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Our innovators made significant contributions at the Geneva Digital Health Day. Nura Izath showcased her groundbreaking work with Neosave through a detailed poster presentation, while Lola Aderemi captivated the audience with her pitch on Pharmarun, highlighting its potential to revolutionize healthcare access. These presentations underscored the innovative spirit and expertise of our young leaders, garnering attention and support from global health stakeholders.
Meet the Expert Series
The “Meet the Experts” series has been an invaluable part of our journey, bringing together experienced professionals from diverse fields to share their expertise and insights with our mentees. This initiative has fostered knowledge exchange and skill development through workshops focusing on topics such as media engagement, financial planning, and leveraging technology for healthcare improvement. Esteemed experts like Awa Babington-Ashaye (Founder and Managing Director Adenium Healthcare), Yacine Barro-Bourgault ( Sales & Business Development Director, Microsoft Africa Transformation Office)), Mariam Djibo (Executive Director, Advans Cote d’Ivoire, and Manon Coulibaly (Cluster Head, Novartis Francophone West Africa) have provided practical strategies and actionable insights that our innovators can apply to their entrepreneurial endeavors. This series exemplifies our dedication to continuous learning and the collaborative nature of our mission to empower the next generation of health innovators.
Celebrating Our Achievements and Looking Ahead
As we wrap up this edition, we invite you to relive these moments through our gallery. Dive back into the highlights, see the faces of our innovators, and feel the energy that has driven this incredible journey.
However, this is not the end of the story. The journey of the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award continues. Stay tuned for more updates, new initiatives, and the next chapter of our mission to empower young innovators and transform healthcare across Africa.