African innovators are collaborating with the WHO in developing solutions to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

Eight trailblazers from Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, Guinea and Kenya presented their solutions in an inaugural virtual regional session hosted by the WHO and attended by around 350 innovators. The solutions, which the WHO describes as ‘pioneering’, have already been implemented in their respective countries and range from ‘interactive public transport contact-tracing apps and dynamic data-analytics systems to rapid diagnostic testing kits, mobile testing booths and low-cost critical care beds’.

The organisation lauded the innovators’ moves to address critical gaps in the response to the coronavirus.

‘In times like these when we are confronted with a major public health emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that our hope for a better tomorrow lies in finding creative, groundbreaking or avant-garde solutions,’ says Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa. ‘Supporting innovation is a critical component not only in our collective efforts to combat diseases in Africa, but to provide adapted solutions to ensure better health for all.’

9 June 2020
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