A new pan-African initiative, the African Health Research, Innovation and Development Alliance (AHRIDA), has been launched to champion Africa-led advancements in health research, development, and innovation (RD&I). Announced at the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC), the alliance seeks to position health RD&I as a key driver of economic growth and self-sufficiency across the continent.
For decades, African nations have relied heavily on external sources for medical supplies, importing 90% of medicines and 99% of vaccines. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the continent’s vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions, highlighting the critical need for local investment in healthcare research and manufacturing. AHRIDA aims to bridge this gap by advocating for increased funding, policy reforms, and an enabling environment for Africa-driven health innovations.
The alliance consolidates efforts from key advocacy groups, including the Coalition for Health Research and Development (CHReaD) in Kenya, the South African Health Technologies Advocacy Coalition (SAHTAC), and Speak Up Africa from Senegal. By harnessing the expertise of these organizations, AHRIDA intends to strengthen Africa’s health research ecosystem and promote the development of indigenous medical technologies.
AHRIDA's formation comes amid shifting global RD&I funding priorities, influenced by political transitions in major donor nations like the United States. To mitigate potential funding uncertainties, the alliance advocates for greater domestic investment in research and innovation, ensuring Africa takes ownership of its health solutions rather than relying on external interventions.
Caroline Mbindyo, Chief Innovations Officer at Amref Health Africa, underscored the broader mission of AHRIDA, stating, “By investing in African-led health research and innovation, we’re not just addressing our immediate health challenges; we’re building the foundation for knowledge-based economies that will drive Africa’s future prosperity.”
AHRIDA will focus on generating evidence, providing expert analysis, and advocating for regulatory reforms to create an integrated medical research and innovation ecosystem. Additionally, the alliance seeks to commercialize African-developed health technologies, ensuring homegrown innovations reach the populations that need them most.
The launch of AHRIDA marks a new chapter in Africa’s approach to health innovation. By aligning research with economic development, the alliance aims to improve healthcare outcomes while fostering a knowledge-based economy that propels Africa towards greater self-sufficiency. With strategic investments and policy support, AHRIDA has the potential to reshape Africa’s health RD&I landscape, ensuring African solutions drive Africa’s future.
Article by Jed Mwangi
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