Remarks by WHO Regional Director for Africa,
Good morning, good afternoon and good evening and I’d also like to greet any partners and guests who have joined us today.
I am very happy to say few words during this special event showcasing breakthrough innovations from Africa for Africa and with the potential for global impact.
In the African Region, through our regional Transformation Agenda initially and now, we are institutionalizing innovation as part of our DNA – recognizing that the future of health in sub-Saharan Africa should be underpinned by the development and use of homegrown innovations, which can be adapted to country-specific needs.
This work started with the Innovation Challenge in 2018, in which 2400 experts shared their bright ideas with us at WHO. We were able to connect the top innovators with funding and opportunities to scale-up their innovations in countries across the continent.
I am delighted that the “reconciliation table” – one of the innovations that emerged from our inaugural Challenge – is being showcased today. This fulfills one of my ambitions to see African solutions being marketed worldwide to address global health challenges.
We know that mental health is an area that is often overlooked, underfunded and underprioritized. In the WHO African Region, government expenditure per capita on mental health is less than 10 cents.
Yet mental health needs in the African Region are significant. Six African countries are among the top 10 globally for suicide per 100,000 people.
There is a lack of information, there is stigma and other significant barriers that prevent people from seeking help. This is despite the fact that treating anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders is an affordable, cost-effective way to promote well-being and prosperity. Up to 80% of those treated improve, usually within four to six weeks. Depression is preventable and treatable if diagnosed early.
In the context of rising social isolation and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as has already been indicated by Dr Tedros, addressing mental health has become even more important.
So, this is an area where innovation is urgently needed and where it has the potential to have a tremendously positive impact. It is very encouraging to see mental health igniting innovative thinking especially from African innovators.
In closing, I look forward to today’s event being a catalyst to further support and promote the scaling-up of innovations in the African Region and globally.
I would like to congratulate the innovators showcasing their work today. You are indeed the pathfinders. I encourage you to continue paving the way towards better health outcomes among people in Africa and globally. The world needs you.
Thank you once again.