Africa Healthcare Federation Chairman, Dr. Amit N. Thakker at The Innovation Effect Africa conference, in Durban, South Africa, May 2 – May 3, 2017

PATH, an international nongovernmental organization, together with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, LeapFrog Investments, New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Agency, and the Wellcome Trust convened the conference to discuss health innovation and research capacity in Africa. Preceded by the World Economic Forum 2017, The Innovation Effect was attended by leaders across Africa, and the globe representing governments, the private sector, and the civil society.

Her Excellency Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of the Republic of Mauritius and an internationally renowed scientist delivered the keynote address. Also in attendance were Her Excellency Grace Naledi Pandor, the South African Minister of Science & Technology and Hon. Sarah Achieng Opendi, State Minister of Health for General Duties, Uganda.

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

 “If you don’t need to go to a shop to shop or bank to bank, must we go to a health facility to get health? We should ask, do we need more money for health, or more health for money?

PPPs are key game changers for an innovation revolution in Africa”, quoted Dr. Amit N. Thakker, Chairman, AHBL. Director General of the National Department of Health of South Africa, Precious Matsoso stated, “We need strategic, operational, and technical partnerships to see where to make investments.”