Market Opportunities for Innovative Technology Applications Addressing Healthcare Delivery in Africa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sonya Penn
Telephone: (202) 835-1115
Email: spenn@africacncl.org    

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Is it possible for U.S. companies in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector to play a role in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa while simultaneously increasing company profits? The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) believes that it is. Recognizing the value of the ICT industry in resolving health sector issues, CCA seeks opportunities for companies to address healthcare infrastructure needs in Africa while creating sustainability.  The organization is looking for ways to broaden existing markets and develop new markets for ICT products.

The CCA HIV/AIDS Initiative strives to identify and broker partnerships that take advantage of ICT innovations for healthcare.  Application of a variety of advanced technologies, from hand-held devices to wireless internet access, may help overcome challenges such as access to medical assistance, monitoring and distribution of treatment, patient uptake, and communication flows to and from field based clinics to central medical facilities. Emerging markets provide opportunities for ICT companies to introduce and market innovative technologies that support healthcare infrastructure.

Stephen Hayes, President of the Corporate Council on Africa, emphasizes the importance of the ICT sector response by stating: “Innovative information and communications technologies have the potential to transform African infrastructure.  These developments, combined with creative private sector forces, can result in real solutions for African healthcare.”

To engage the ICT sector around this issue, the CCA HIV/AIDS Initiative, in collaboration with the Development Gateway Foundation, VOXIVA, BroadReach Healthcare, and Bridges.org, convened key stakeholders to discuss obstacles to investment in new markets, potential funding resources, and partnership opportunities.

Among the 70 forum participants, representatives from CCA corporate members in the information and communications technology and pharmaceutical industries; NGOs and implementing partners; international donor organizations; and members of the Ambassadorial Corps attended the conference.

Moving forward, CCA will continue to facilitate discussions around the key issues that emerged during the course of the forum. These points included the important role of the private sector to coordinate across “stove pipes”; the need for greater communication and understanding between the public and private sectors; the necessity of local level and end-user input and engagement in project development and implementation; and the requirement for real solutions to ensure sustainability. In addition, participants agreed that institutional partnerships and sector arrangements are necessary for developing and transitioning economies to benefit from the lessons learned.

Founded in 1993, the Corporate Council on Africa is the leading American nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to enhancing trade and investment ties between the United States and the 53 countries in Africa. The CCA HIV/AIDS Initiative is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and seeks to increase U.S. corporate involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. The Initiative assists CCA members in the development and implementation of workplace HIV/AIDS policies and programs through partnerships, and strives to enhance private sector contributions to national agendas on HIV/AIDS.