Advancing Healthcare Innovation in Africa: A case study and recommendations for AHIA, a program of Emory University 公开

Larkin, Bethany (Spring 2021)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/41687j836?locale=zh
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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

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