IFPMA and Speak Up Africa announce shortlisted candidates for the 2nd edition of the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award
The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) and Speak Up Africa announced 15 candidates shortlisted for the 2nd edition of the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award.
In alphabetical order, these candidates are:
- M. Uche Udekwe, from Nigeria
- M. Mayamiko Kalilani, from Malawi
- M. Muhammad Abdullahi, from Nigeria
- Mrs Shamim Nabuuma, from Uganda
- M. Emmanuel Egbroko, from Nigeria
- Mrs Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, from Nigeria
- Mrs Teniola Adedeji, from Nigeria
- Mrs Agnes Kubwimana, from Rwanda
- M. Moses Ochora, from Uganda
- M. Nura Izath, from Uganda
- Mrs Chika Madubuko, from Nigeria
- M. Anga Musakuzi, from Zambia
- M. Keith Richard Kwagala, from Uganda
- Mrs Mercy Kobusingye, from Uganda
- Mrs Victoria Nakitto, from Uganda
The Africa Young Innovators for Health Award supports young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to advance their innovations for better health outcomes. The theme of the 2nd edition of the Awards is on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with a focus on innovations that are extending population or service coverage and ensuring better financial protection for their communities.
Shortlisted candidates will be in the running for financial and in-kind support and all are eligible to participate in a mini-bootcamp later this month, working with business leaders to communicate their ideas for impact.
A technical review team of leading global health and business organizations reviewed and selected 15 shortlisted candidates out of more than 180 applications. Selection was based on the extent to which each applicant met the UHC criteria, the experience, skills, and maturity of the start-up, the anticipated impact of the Award, the quality of the application, and whether the innovation made the case for contributing to a more sustainable world.
“Embracing the essential pursuit of universal health coverage, we recognize the pivotal role innovation plays in achieving this goal. We are delighted to reaffirm our partnership with IFPMA to support young bold Africans tackling our continent’s most urgent health challenges. Today, we are pleased to unveil the remarkable 15 individuals who have been shortlisted for the 2023 African Young Innovators for Health Award,” said Yacine Djibo, Executive Director of Speak Up Africa.
Greg Perry, Assistant Director General, IFPMA added, “In a year dedicated to UHC and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are delighted to celebrate African youth who are applying their imaginations, skills, and expertise to help realize the dream of health for all, everywhere. Congratulations to the 15 shortlisted candidates and we look forward to announcing the final four Awardees next month at the Galien Forum Afrique.”
Two female and two male first and second prize winners will benefit from a combined $90,000 USD to bring their innovation to life to achieve UHC in Africa. Winners will also benefit from business mentoring, strategic guidance on intellectual property rights, media training, and access to a global health and innovation network.
Award winners will be announced on Wednesday, 4 October 2023 in a ceremony at the Forum Galien Afrique.
The Awards program is supported by Amref Health Africa, Forum Galien Afrique, IntraHealth International, Geneva Health Forum, Women in Global Health, Adams & Adams, Global Health Technologies Coalition, Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle, Maddyness, ANA. Media partners include Africa.com, ScienceActu, and REMAPSEN.
About IFPMA
IFPMA represents the innovative pharmaceutical industry at the international level, engaging in official relations with the United Nations and multilateral organizations. Our vision is to ensure that scientific progress translates into the next generation of medicines and vaccines that deliver a healthier future for people everywhere.
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To achieve this, we act as a trusted partner, bringing our members' expertise to champion pharmaceutical innovation, drive policy that supports the research, development, and delivery of health technologies, and create sustainable solutions that advance global health.
