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- Learning the lessons of Covid in the age of climate change
Learning the lessons of Covid in the age of climate change
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 | Member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) have officially adopted the first-ever WHO Pandemic Agreement. It establishes mechanisms to guarantee equitable and timely access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics for the world’s poor by reserving 20% of real-time production for WHO distribution during pandemics. |
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many African countries experienced delayed access to vaccines and diagnostics due to limited supply and purchasing power. This agreement aims to ensure that African countries are not overlooked in future health emergencies, a rise in which is expected as a result of climate-related disruptions.
Additionally, the agreement fosters predictable demand and market access for African healthcare manufacturers, promoting local production. By implementing pooled procurement and fast-track approvals, it enhances industry capacity, quality and resilience against climate-driven health shocks and future pandemics.
Our take: This is the second international agreement negotiated under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, and its outcome could either signify a landmark in multilateral solidarity or represent another case of unmet promises…Read more (2 min)
 | Technology is transforming access to healthcare across Africa, with innovations tackling genuine medical challenges. However, regulation often falls behind. Mike Adeyemi-Lawal, a Malaria and Infectious Diseases Specialist at Médecins Sans Frontières, warns that health technology must comply with local laws from the outset. |
Health innovation is not akin to building a social network; it involves lives and sensitive data and climate-sensitivity, necessitating strict compliance. Startups must recognise that regulations differ between African countries. A solution approved in Kenya may be non-compliant in Nigeria.
Viewing regulation as a guide rather than an obstacle can facilitate safer, scalable innovation. Engaging regulators early fosters trust and enhances the likelihood of success.
Click the link to read the full op-ed… Read more (2 min)
 | Poor supply chains severely limit access to life-saving medicines in Africa due to factors such as high prices, climate-challenged infrastructure and weak regulatory systems. Platforms such as Axmed Medical are trying to counter these challenges with a marketplace for affordable, quality medicines through technology and pooled demand. |
Axmed recently received a $5 million Gates Foundation grant to assist African governments in purchasing affordable, high-quality medicines for mothers, newborns, and children via matched funding.
Other technologies on our Tech Watch list this month include AI-PAP by Morocco’s DataPathology and an artificial intelligence-enabled electrocardiogram tool validated in Kenya. Both solutions provide low-cost, scalable, and climate-resilient screening for cancer and heart disease in under-resourced African health systems.
Our take: There is a clear increase in AI integration within African healthcare, and its potential is undeniable. However, as we advance towards progress, we must ask: what might we lose in the silence of unchecked innovation?…Read more (2 min)
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Laerdal Global Health and the WHO Foundation announce a $12.5 million partnership to scale up acute care training in Africa.
Events
🗓️ Join the European Clinical Trials Partnership Forum in Rwanda (June 20)
🗓️ Attend the Africa Health Business Symposium in Nigeria (July 16)
🗓️ Participate in the World Health Expo in Kenya (October 6)
Jobs
🧑⚕️ Apply to be a Director of Health Financing at Palladium (Kenya)
🧑⚕️ Become a Health and Nutrition Officer at West Darfur Youth Organization (Sudan)
🧑⚕️ Be a Health and Nutrition Technical Lead at Samaritan's Purse (South Sudan)
🧑⚕️ Join Recruitment Matters Africa as a Nutrition Manager (Zambia)
Seen on LinkedIn
Wellcome Trust, says, “Heatwaves. Air pollution. Food insecurity. These aren’t distant warnings – they’re happening now. It’s time to make sure our health systems are ready and put health at the heart of climate solutions.”
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