The Africa Health Business Symposium (AHBS), held on June 29 and 30 in Johannesburg, South Africa, witnessed an overwhelming response with attendees from various sectors of the healthcare industry. The event, proved to be a remarkable platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and exploring partnership opportunities.

Here are some key takeaways from Karolina Mackiewicz, Innovation Director at ECHAlliance who attended the event:

• A lot to learn about Digital Health innovations in Africa. The motivation, ambition and commitment of the actors, small and big, public and private, is great. The ideas and energy are endless.
• There is no time to waste! There is a general agreement among the stakeholders that the time to act is NOW, not in 5 or 10 years.The words “leapfrog” and “agile” were commonly used, highlighting the need for swift and innovative action.
• There was no sugar coating when speaking about the challenges and opportunities. Everyone is very well aware that connectivity is a big issue in advancing Digital Health (265 mln people with no connection to the internet) in Africa, as is the issue of electricity. However, investments are being made and new collaborations are being formed to improve the situation even in the most remote villages of the continent.
• Collaborations and partnerships were yet another most popular words in Johannesburg, and for the reason – a well functioning healthcare system needs involvement of all stakeholders and sectors. These partnerships should be built on respect, a shared goal, and a genuine need. It’s not about grants, but lasting collaborations.
• During covid pandemic the private sector stepped in considerably, providing funding and solutions. Now is the time to leverage this experience and apply the lessons learned to the fight against other diseases, such as malaria.
• Africa’s New Public Health Order is an ambitious but realistic agenda that will boost health and wellbeing for all. This policy of African Union has 5 points and eg. local production is one of them. Africa can and will manufacture locally to make sure the products serve its population best.

During the AHB Symposium 2023, an important milestone was achieved with the signing of the Africa Health Business and ECHAlliance Group agreement. This collaboration between AHB and ECHAlliance Group, facilitated by Brian O’Connor, Chair at the ECHAlliance Group, and Dr. Amit N. Thakker, Executive Chairman at AHB, signifies a strategic partnership to drive innovation and connected health solutions in Africa.

Brian O’Connor expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I was delighted today to sign this important agreement.  Throughout our collaboration with AHB, we have discovered shared values that align perfectly with those of the ECHAlliance Group. It was a natural step to work together. While there is much work ahead, we firmly believe that trusted partners can achieve remarkable things when working together.”

The Africa Health Business Symposium has proven to be an invaluable platform for professionals in the healthcare industry. With its successful conclusion, attendees left the event with newfound knowledge, meaningful connections, and an enhanced understanding of innovative approaches to healthcare delivery. The Symposium’s contributions are expected to have a far-reaching impact on the advancement of healthcare in Africa and beyond.