The Strengthening Africa’s Health Technologies. Advocacy Coalition (SAHTAC) participated in the Strategic Health Innovation Partnerships (SHIP) hosted by the South Africa Medical Research Council (SAMRC). The SHIP meeting, held on July 22-23 at the SAMRC Conference Centre in Cape Town, gathered stakeholders from academia, government, civil society, and health organizations to discuss innovative health interventions. Established in 2013 by SAMRC and funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), SHIP aims to address South Africa’s major health challenges and strengthen the national innovation system.
The meeting reviewed SHIP strategy and activities, assessed the innovation landscape, identified gaps, and discussed funding and implementation challenges. SAMRC President Professor Ntobeko Ntusi opened the meeting, with key addresses by Dr. Anban Pillay from the National Department of Health, Professor Mushi Matjila from the University of Cape Town, and Ms. Glaudina Loots from DSI, highlighting health research priorities and the decadal plan for innovation. Day 2 focused on digital health, mental health, and maternal and child health, featuring presentations on national frameworks and strategies to address these areas’ challenges and gaps.
