SHINE A Light on Healthcare Innovation in Ethiopia
The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) took a significant step forward in strengthening healthcare innovation in Ethiopia with the launch of the Strengthening Health Innovation to Scale Ecosystem in Ethiopia (SHINE) Project. This two-day event, held on March 28th and 29th, 2024, marked the beginning of a crucial initiative aimed at empowering local production of life-saving solutions. The event was bolstered by the presence of distinguished guests, including H.E. Dr. Ayele Teshome, State Minister, Ministry of Health (MOH), and a diverse range of stakeholders representing private organizations, academia, government entities, and international partners.
Top left to right:Prof. Dylan Ravindran; Ms. Ketlarng Polori; Prof. Afework Kassu. Bottom: left to right: Dr. Alemseged Abdissa; Dr. Tahmeed Ahmed; Dr. Giorgio Roscigno; Dr. Taddesse Mekonnen
SHINE: Building a Framework for Innovation
The SHINE Project focuses on developing a framework that will nurture and translate promising healthcare innovations into large-scale, locally produced solutions. This encompasses a broad spectrum of advancements, including:
- Adapting existing medical and public health practices for diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and disease management within the Ethiopian context.
- Exploring and harnessing the potential of unique local innovations, including products derived from traditional medicine.
This project aligns with the MOH’s objective of increasing local production of innovative healthcare solutions to improve affordability and accessibility. The MOH’s previous Grand Challenges initiative, modeled after a similar program, provided seed funding for local researchers and innovators to develop cost-effective healthcare solutions. The MOH has entrusted AHRI with the critical task of overseeing three additional programs: Local vaccine development and production, Fostering the growth of Ethiopia’s nascent pharmaceutical industry and Further evaluation and development of traditional medicine within the country.
Dr. Bereket Zelalem from MOH presenting Health Innovation to Scale: Ethiopia’s Perspective
The SHINE Project kickoff wasn’t just about presentations; it was about fostering collaboration. International partners from organizations such as CSIR (S. Africa), University of Calgary (Canada), Oregon Health Sciences University (USA), FNDR (India), icddr-b (Bangladesh) and International Vaccine Initiative (Korea) enriched the event with informative presentations, delving into critical aspects of product innovation. Other stakeholders who participated in this event include, MOH, EFDA, CDT-Africa, National Veterinary Institute, Addis Ababa University.
Private entities working on health products including AccessBio and Avacare Health have also participated. The workshop included group discussion on four categories regulatory frameworks, manufacturing and scale-u; training and capacity building and needs assessment. These in-depth discussions, along with the diverse range of participants, showcased the collaborative spirit at the heart of the SHINE Project.
Group Discussions
A Look Forward
The successful kickoff event and workshop, with distinguished guests, local and international partner presentations, and insightful group discussions, mark a promising beginning for the SHINE Project. With a clear vision, a dedicated team, and the collective expertise of a broad range of stakeholders, this initiative has the potential to revolutionize healthcare innovation in Ethiopia. Stay tuned for further updates on the SHINE Project’s progress as it works to illuminate a brighter future for Ethiopian healthcare.