GHS launches CIP pilot project to address health challenges
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has launched the Country Innovation Platform (CIP) Ghana Pilot project to support local innovators in developing impactful solutions to address critical healthcare challenges across the country.
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The platform, which focuses on maternal and newborn health, aligns with GHS's ongoing efforts to strengthen health system reforms through the Networks of Practice.
At the launch, 10 successful innovators were introduced, whose projects were selected for the pilot.
These include the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, Duapa Workspace LBG, the Society of Family Physicians of Ghana, the Pediatric Society of Ghana, the Community Development Alliance, Moving Health Foundation, Digital Foundation Africa, the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Zomujo Foundation LBG and Emperor Software Ltd.
Implementation
Over the next 12 to 21 months, these innovators will test their health solutions in GHS facilities across six regions: Savannah, Northern, North East, Upper East, Upper West and Western.
These regions were strategically selected due to the high maternal and newborn health challenges they face.
Their projects will focus on addressing pressing health challenges, including reducing maternal and newborn mortality, improving access to quality care, and developing solutions to enhance the overall healthcare delivery system.
The platform is in collaboration with the Centre for Innovation and Impact (CII) at USAID Ghana, USAID Ghana Mission, Grand Challenges Canada, and AMP Health.
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Rationale
The Director, Policy Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation Division of GHS, Dr Alberta Biritwum -Nyarko, on behalf of the Director-General of GHS, said there was a need for innovation, particularly in the face of emerging and re-emerging diseases, pandemics and the growing demand for quality healthcare services.
She said the platform would provide a structured framework where innovators, health practitioners, government agencies and development partners could collaborate to co-create solutions addressing critical health challenges.
Dr Biritwum-Nyarko added that the CIP pilot aligned with the country’s national vision for universal health coverage (UHC) by supporting innovations that improved access, affordability and quality of care.
She encouraged all stakeholders to approach the platform with open minds and a commitment to dialogue.
"Innovation is, by nature, a process of trial and error. Not every idea will work, and not every solution will succeed on the first trial. However, it is through this process of testing, learning and refining that we arrive at lasting solutions,” she added.
Dr Biritwum -Nyarko reiterated GHS’s commitment to supporting the CIP Ghana pilot with the necessary resources and oversight, ensuring its success as a driving force for healthcare innovation in the country.
Framework
In a presentation , Dr Biritwum - Nyarko said GHS was committed to a robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework to ensure continuous support for the innovators.
That, she said, would include field visits, cohort meetings, regional launches and regular updates .
She said, “ GHS, with the support of key partners would fund and document every step of the implementation process to create a comprehensive repository of best practices”.
Investment
The Special Advisor to the Minister, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Oliver Boachie, said science, technology and innovation played a critical role in driving national development.
He stressed the need for investing in these sectors to ensure progress and enhance the quality of life for Ghanaians.
Commitment
The Regional Director, AMP Health, Shola Dele-Olowu, commended GHS for bringing the initiative to life and fostering healthcare solutions that would improve access to quality care across the country.
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