TechChange’s Post

Take advantage of the #AfricaEvidenceWeek2024 celebrations. It's #Day4, and we continue promoting evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) content in #Africa. As part of #AfEW2024, listen to Janet Michel, the Executive Director for Global Health Mentorships, sharing how to design research and programmes from the outset: https://lnkd.in/d5sdjHsA. Embedding impact-aware methods into research and interventions at the design stage allows one to track and demonstrate impact and identify the lack thereof, making research and programs evaluable. To that end, we propose an impact framework that can be used in research and programs. There will always be counterfactuals to compare with. The seven central tenets of the framework are; 1. Project or intervention theory of change, 2. Baseline measurement of the outcome of interest, 3. Involvement of key stakeholders (beneficiaries) in co-design, monitoring and evaluation, 4. Mixed Methods: Use of qualitative and quantitative indicators, 5. Midline measurement of the outcome of interest, 6. Endline measurement of the outcome of interest, 7. Validation of results and findings. Humanity is facing significant challenges that are global in nature. These challenges range from socio-economic, climate change, and environmental issues to technological and AI threats and wars. The world has just weathered a COVID-19 pandemic, and more pandemics, including the recently declared global emergency-Mpox, are envisaged. Access to funding becomes competitive, and researchers and implementers often confront the need to demonstrate the impact of government funders and communities served. Only recently has evidence of effect been restricted to experimental and quasi-experimental designs, even though all research and all programmes take up resources. This has led to situations where some programs/research have been run for years without a positive effect on, change, or benefit to society, culture, the environment, or the economy outside the research environment. Others have carried out black box evaluations, producing evidence for impact without a precise context mechanism and outcome pathway. Bearing in mind that an intervention can have both intended and unintended outcomes, measuring impact becomes an ethical thing to do. It serves as an accountability, human rights, equity and economic tool. Every researcher and program manager ought to know if their work is producing impact or not. This also aligns with sound clinical practice principles: first, do no harm. Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute

🌐 Her Excellency Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Federal Councillor of the Swiss Confederation calls for the spirit of Geneva, the cradle of multilateralism to solve challenges facing the global community. Three take aways from her opening speak at the World Health Assembly this morning; 1️⃣ "Finding solutions and having a global and efficient response requires a widened international solidarity, strong multi-lateralism and universal leadership that also means that we need to have dialogue and be open and be open to listen to others. 2️⃣ The WHO plays a unique role which is essential as a global agency for health. It represents a multi-lateral essential solution to the world's problems. We live in an interconnected world where geographic borders are ever more permeable and the challenges that we face are on a universal level. 3️⃣ Today more than ever we need this space for discussion in Geneva, the cradle of multi-lateralism where we will work on collective solutions to the challenges. Multi-lateralism embodies the conviction that our global problems can be resolved in an equitable and efficient manner when we share our resources and co-operate with an open spirit.  #africa #health #healthcare #publichealth #healthcare #multilateralism #globalhealth #geneva #switzerland #WHA77 #leniashwenda #medicines4africa

Broad and inclusive consultation, early engagement and a shared vision of what success looks like are some of the key elements discussed at this inaugural Market Shaping conference in Barcelona #GHMS2024. The fundamental objective of market shaping is to address or alter the dynamics or incentives between demand and supply, buyers and suppliers, with the end goal of improving and accelerating access to lifesaving tools, whilst strengthening markets. If only it were that simple. For market shaping to work it requires an immense amount of commitment, trust and collaboration between a diverse group of actors; from endemic countries, global funders/donors, policymakers, regulators, to private sector and researchers. There is going to be a lot of movement in global health markets in the coming years, as we seek to reduce reliance on donors, and countries identify how to transition out of a reliance on development aid. I am encouraged by the rich conversations amongst the many key market shaping partners and actors in identifying how to best to navigate complex markets and scale access to the most effective public health solutions. #Vestergaard #malariaprevention #africa #PermaNet

My Day 2 at the Africa Health Tech Summit started early with a breakfast meeting with young Africans working in Digital Health. With the #YiDHN, the younger colleagues want to #EnhanceParticipation in digital health policies. From my three decades of policy engagement, I share these key points: 1. Learn the system and the ecosystem. Hardly does any policy process happen in isolation. Digital Health policy is even more collaborative. 2. Know the process. There is a classic policy process, which shifts according to specific national, regional and thematic realities. Know your process and its realities. 3. Know the stakeholders. A good understanding of the stakeholders gives insight into the power-play. 4. Bring value. Asking for a place at the table is okay.. Bringing something to the table is better. 5. Interests are crucial. Bring a lot, give some, take some. As long as your values align with the interests of the stakeholders... your voice will find resonance. Know your game. Play the game. Master the game. Own the game. The Youth are NOT the leaders of tomorrow.. They are the LEADERS TODAY. #AHTS2024

Proud to announce that #TeamEurope has launched a new Team Europe Initiative on digital health that will support African partners to significantly strengthen healthcare systems and bring the continent a step closer to universal health coverage. 🩺📱  Digital solutions have an enormous potential to bring healthcare to underserved regions. This is why digital health is an important pillar of the EU-AU partnership in global health. The launch took place yesterday during a high-level event organised by the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2024, together with the African Union, Africa CDC, and the European Commission. 🤝 Together with our African partners, we are working to improve pandemic preparedness, health security and equitable access to quality health services. Learn more 👉https://buff.ly/3Vm6WuG Digital for Development (D4D) Hub - Expertise France - Sida - Stefaan ML.J. Van Bastelaere - Micky Elanga Yangongo - Ahtziri Gonzalez #EnablingChange #GlobalGateway #OneHealth #EU2024BE 

🛎Leveraging digital technologies to improve patient centeredness of our health systems _________________________ ✳️Digital technologies hold immense potential to transform health systems, especially in improving access to care, enhancing communication, and supporting patient adherence. For example, using digital tools to send reminders for pill refills to HIV patients, as highlighted in the below LinkedIn post by Naturinda Emmanuel , is a powerful way to promote better adherence to treatment and improve health outcomes. ✳️SMS reminders and dedicated mobile apps can be used to send personalized reminders for medication refills, appointments, and treatment adherence. This approach is particularly useful in HIV care, where consistent medication intake is crucial for viral suppression. ✳️Electronic Health Records Integration can track patient histories, lab results, and medication refills. When integrated with mobile technology, they can trigger automated alerts to patients and healthcare workers about upcoming refills or missed appointments. ✳️Artificial Intelligence can predict patients who are at higher risk of non adherence or complications based on their data . ✳️Chatbots provide continuous support to patients outside clinic hours, offering reminders and motivation to stay on medication. ✅️Leveraging digital technologies, we can not only send timely reminders for pill refills but also improve the overall efficiency, accessibility, and patient centeredness of our health systems. #digitaltechnologiesforbetterhealthoutcomes #patientcenterdness

Say no more Naturinda Emmanuel. That’s exactly why Health Master was founded. We provide medication reminders for those with chronic conditions and offer seamless communication with healthcare providers to report complications or side effects resulting from the medicatios taken. You can also learn more about the medications you are taking, and healthcare professionals can track their patients adherence. Health management, simplified and at your fingertips World Health Organization

🌍Global Health in the Wake of Covid-19: Understanding Taiwan’s Bid for Meaningful Participation in the WHA🌍 We are thrilled to share key insights from a recent webinar hosted by Dr. Niklas Swanstrom from Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP) and Dr. Klement Ruey-sheng Gu, Taiwan's Ambassador to Sweden. The forum speakers Dr. Yu-Chung Shen, professor of political science at Tunghai University, and Mr. Regionalbüro Bütikofer Reinhard, chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with the People’s Republic of China, offered valuable perspectives. Throughout the webinar, there was a strong emphasis on strategic diplomacy, international solidarity, and concerted advocacy efforts to advance Taiwan's cause.   📢Here are our main takeaways: 1. Taiwan's Potential Contribution: Despite lack of recognition, Taiwan can contribute significantly to global health efforts through pandemic management, healthcare technology, and disease surveillance. Its proactive response during COVID-19 showcases its value as a partner in disease prevention and healthcare system strengthening. 2. Chinese Opposition and International Solidarity: Historically, Taiwan participated meaningfully in the WHA, but its exclusion now stems from China's obstructionist stance. The speakers emphasized the importance of international solidarity to counter this opposition and support Taiwan's bid for inclusion in global health governance. They stressed that solidarity would strengthen global health efforts and uphold principles of fairness and equity. 3. Mobilizing Civil Society and Academia: Participants expressed concerns about diplomatic obstacles hindering Taiwan's inclusion. Dr. Shen stressed the importance of robust engagement with international academic and research communities to build support. He suggested initiatives such as academic exchanges and collaborations to strengthen Taiwan's global network of allies. 4. Countering Economic Concerns and Promoting Collaboration: The webinar discussed strategies to address concerns about potential economic repercussions from China and highlighted the importance of countering Chinese economic coercion. Dr. Swanström cited the example of Lithuania as a country supporting Taiwan despite potential economic ramifications. The speakers suggested to explore bilateral agreements with sympathetic nations and to push for a unified global effort to support Taiwan's participation in international organizations. Collaboration was highlighted as essential for advancing Taiwan's integration into the global health system.   ❓What are your thoughts on Taiwan's exclusion from global health governance, and how do you think international solidarity can help address this issue? Join the conversation and share your insights below! #TaiwanCanHelp #GlobalHealth #Taiwan #WHO #WHA #Inclusion #InternationalSolidarity https://lnkd.in/dTCgbSuU

Hello folks! I may not have mentioned it before now. Apologies. Over the past few months, I have been steeped at the intersection between digital and health, supporting Transform Health Coalitions across Africa to fight for health for all in the digital age. I am particularly proud of the immense work that Africa CDC has been on, which has grown powerfully after the COVID pandemic. In paying closer attention to the Health Data Governance, I realize that a whole lot needs to be done. To this end, I will be engaging with actors between now and the next African Union summit on issues related to Health Data Governance. So: 1. If you are working on health data governance in Africa, please let's chat. 2. If you would want the #HealthDataGovernance coalition to partner towards a model law on health data governance, there is information to start with on https://lnkd.in/ex5C8gYd and my numbers and inbox are open and available 3. If you are going to be in New York for United Nations #UNGA79 this month, and are interested in joining a data governance high-level executive meeting just after the Summit of the Future, as part of the Science Summit, please let me know. 4. If you just want to touch base about collaborating on other things, I'm more than happy to chat! Here's to a good week, a great month, and an even greater #digitalcooperation

🌍 Proud to share my blog post reflecting on WHA77! 🚀 The recent World Health Assembly in Geneva highlighted both the triumphs and challenges of global health diplomacy amidst complex geopolitical tensions. Key topics included the Pandemic Accord, NCDs, mental health, climate change, strategic planning and financial commitments, and intense debates over gender language. Read my detailed reflections here: