Advancing Healthcare Innovation in Africa: A case study and recommendations for AHIA, a program of Emory University Público
Larkin, Bethany (Spring 2021)
Abstract
Health biotechnology innovation not only supports economic development and job creation, it also addresses key needs in the rapidly changing global health landscape. In order to thrive, biotechnology innovation needs an enabling ecosystem to support it that includes regulatory considerations, mentorship, networks, intellectual property, and funding. Currently, Africa lags behind other regions of the world in supporting health biotechnology despite a high disease burden that necessitates innovative solutions. AHIA, Advancing Healthcare Innovation in Africa, is a multi-disciplinary program of Emory University that aims to address and solve unmet health needs in Africa by supporting and promoting the advancement of health innovation and technologies. The purpose of this special studies project is to document a history of the AHIA, provide a case study of the program from 2017-2019, and provide key recommendations for the program moving forward in the context of the health biotechnology ecosystem in Africa. AHIA supported 21 innovators in medical devices, diagnostics, health technologies, and pharmaceuticals between 2017-2019 and 46 students from Emory University. Innovators found aspects of the AHIA program, such as networking and intellectual property strategy, useful to advancing their innovations. They noted key opportunities for improvement to the program including adding cultural-awareness training for traveling students, creating innovator support continuity, improving program design and communication, and reviewing the program location. Recommendations are provided based on this feedback for how AHIA can best position itself as a program moving forward. Health biotechnology ecosystems have the potential to not only address global health problems, but also build robust local economies around the world. Global programs from high-income countries, like AHIA, can play a key role in supporting healthcare innovators in Africa through connections to resources and supporting initiatives led by African organizations to create a sustained ecosystem.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Problem Statement
Project Purpose
Significance Statement
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
I. Innovation
Defining innovation
Innovation as a tool to support Sustainable Development Goals
Innovation in global health
Creating an enabling environment and partnerships
II. Biomedical Innovation in Africa
Africa disease burden
Innovation metrics in Africa
Investment
Knowledge
Intellectual Property
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
Opportunities for health biotechnology in Africa
III. Conclusion
CHAPTER 3: METHODS
I. Research design
II. Collection of data and information
III. Analysis
IV. Ethical considerations
V. Strengths and limitations
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS
History of AHIA program
Innovator Story
Advancing Healthcare Innovation in Africa
Evolution of the AHIA program
AHIA & ANDi: 2015-2017
AHIA Present Day (2017-2019)
Aims and goals
Innovator Profile
Healthcare and Economic Promise
Student Profile
Key takeaways from the AHIA workshop
Program Strengths
Opportunities for growth
Innovator Needs
Recommendations
COVID-19 Opportunity
CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
APPENDIX
Appendix 1: AHIA Innovator Interview Guide
Appendix 2: Innovator Spotlights
Appendix 3: AHIA program evolution from 2007 (approx.) to Present
Appendix 4: AHIA Workshop Recommendations
About this Master's Thesis
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