Durban, South Africa, 2 May 2017—African and global leaders representing governments, the private sector, and civil society met today in Durban, South Africa, to discuss health innovation and research capacity in Africa. The event focused on the need for additional investments in science, technology, and innovation in Africa to improve health, spur economic growth, and reduce poverty across the continent.
The meeting highlighted promising initiatives and aimed to foster new partnerships and drive investments that will strengthen Africa’s role as a major player in global health technology development and innovation. It included several calls to action by meeting participants to support African-led innovation coalitions and innovative funding platforms. At the event, Biovac announced a new partnership with PATH to develop a novel vaccine against Group B Streptococcus, which disproportionately kills and debilitates African infants.
PATH, an international nongovernmental organization that accelerates innovation to save lives and improve health, together with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, LeapFrog Investments, New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Agency, and the Wellcome Trust convened the Innovation Effect Africa conference. High-level representatives from groups across Africa and the globe attended the event, which preceded the World Economic Forum on Africa 2017. The World Economic Forum 2017 will be held in Durban, South Africa from 3 to 5 May.
The meeting highlighted promising initiatives and aimed to foster new partnerships and drive investments that will strengthen Africa’s role as a major player in global health technology development and innovation. It included several calls to action by meeting participants to support African-led innovation coalitions and innovative funding platforms. At the event, Biovac announced a new partnership with PATH to develop a novel vaccine against Group B Streptococcus, which disproportionately kills and debilitates African infants.
PATH is the leader in global health innovation. An international nonprofit organization, they save lives and improve health, especially among women and children. They also accelerate innovation across five platforms—vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, devices, and system and service innovations—that harness our entrepreneurial insight, scientific and public health expertise, and passion for health equity. By mobilizing partners around the world, the organization take innovation to scale, working alongside countries primarily in Africa and Asia to tackle their greatest health needs. Together, they deliver measurable results that disrupt the cycle of poor health. Learn more at www.path.org.
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