7 Nigerian innovators have been shortlisted for the finals of the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Innovation Challenge 2019 finals. All seven innovators made the WHO’s shortlist of 30 innovators for this year’s finals in Praia, Cape Verde.

The competition which was open to businesses/startups with innovative and scalable healthcare solutions on the continent received 2,471 applications. These applications were from a total of 77 countries, 44 of which were not African.

After series of evaluations based on the impact potentials of the solutions, 30 solutions were chosen.

Amongst these includes 8 solutions (from 7 innovators) which were selected from Nigeria, which is by far the most of any country in the list. These solutions range from rapid molecular tests, mobile health apps to data analytics software.

The innovators include:

• Dr Ime Asangansi, Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) and Multi-Source Data Analytics and Triangulation Dashboard: ISS a web-based platform that integrates checklists used by its health partners when conducting integrative supportive supervision. The platform makes this data easily accessible. The Multi-Source Data Analytics and Triangulation Dashboard helps to combine multiple data sources on one platform.
• Dr Ebinabo Ofrey, GeroCare: A startup providing subscription based medical care for the elderly.
• Dr Doris Jema Onyeador, Maldor Gift of Sight: A programme that provides quality eye care and support to patients in low-income environments.
• Dr Imodoye Abioro, Project Lend an Arm: An health information awareness campaign and youth-focused blood drive.
• Morenike Fajemisin, Whispa: A mobile app that provides young people with private access to a variety of sexual and reproductive health information, products and services.
• Charles Onu, Ubenwa: An android app which determines whether or not a new-born is experiencing asphyxia by analysing a recording of their cry.
• Dr Charles Immanuel Akhimien, myPaddi: An app that provides young people with access to sexual and reproductive health information with complete anonymity.

Other finalists emerrged from various countries – Canada, UK, Netherlands, Rwanda, Angola, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Burundi, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Benin Republic.

These finalists would be given fully-sponsored trips to the Africa Health Forum in Cape Verde in March 2019. At this event, the finalists will have an opportunity to showcase their innovations to an attendance of top political, government and business leaders in the health space.

Selected finalists will also stand a chance to exhibit their solutions at the 69th Session of the Regional Committee that will take place in August 2019, in Brazzaville.