After reviewing 96 applications representing a wide array of innovative digital health solutions from 26 countries, the selection committee of the AWiDH mentorship program has made its selection.    

15 applicants have been shortlisted for the final stage of the AWiDH mentorship program selection process. 

The application process was highly competitive. The committee evaluated initiatives ranging from extending healthcare services through AI and telehealth, enhancing pharmacovigilance, and fostering collaboration across African countries to address healthcare disparities, to platforms that streamline healthcare access for underserved populations or mobile apps that increase vaccination rates with reminders and tracking, while also providing health tips. The selection committee faced a tough decision in shortlisting the applicants. 

The shortlisted candidates, aged between 20 to 40, were evaluated based on several criteria, including the effectiveness of their digital health initiatives in addressing public health challenges in Africa, the extent to which their initiatives cater to the health needs of underserved populations, and their potential scalability beyond national markets. 

The shortlisted applicants represent a diverse and innovative group of digital health pioneers from various African regions. 

Among the potential mentees, there are representatives from West Africa, including Nigeria and Senegal, addressing critical public health challenges such as medication access and patient record management. From North Africa, applicants from Morocco and Egypt are leveraging telemedicine and Artificial intelligence to enhance healthcare accessibility and drug safety. East Africa is represented by applicants from Kenya and Uganda, focusing on maternal health and neonatal care, while Southern Africa includes applicants from Zambia and Namibia, tackling issues like cerebral palsy and healthcare data management. 

These women are using cutting-edge technologies such as AI, telemedicine, and mobile applications to address various health issues, from diabetes management to mental health support. Their work has already demonstrated measurable impacts, including reduced stockouts of essential medicines, improved access to healthcare services in remote areas, and enhanced patient outcomes through personalized care. 

The shortlisted applicants are: 

• Chioma Favour Uzoma, CEO, MedVax Health Tech – Nigeria;  
• Sara Essadki, Co-founder, Rise – Morocco;  
• Dr. Victory Ifeanyichukwu Uzoma, MedVax Health, Head of Marketing – Nigeria;  
• Estelle Kelly Nguefang Ketchejeu, Founding member, Ophthalmology Practice and Research Observatory (OphPRO) – Cameroon 
• Matimba Molly Chilala, Let’s Walk -. Zambia 
• Dr. Ndapandula Hamunime, Health Strategist, Impact Tank Namibia – Namibia 
• Inas Abdelwahed, Head of medical operations and quality assurance, Otida – Egypt 
• Terry Mochire, Head of Research, Development and Technical Delivery, IntelliSOFT Consulting Ltd – Kenya 
• Yara General, Entrepreneur – Mozambique 
• Farah Bouras, Founder and Manager, Think Touch Solution – Algeria 
• Dr. Comfort Peace Ayikoru, Chief Executive Officer, BuriCare Limited – Uganda 
• Sarah Kuponiyi, Team Lead, Alora Reusable Pads – Nigeria 
• Sarah Nkansah Boateng, Midwife, Ministry of Health Ghana – Ghana 
• Sènami Max Marinelle Houngbedji, Co-founder, Psychiel – Benin 
• Yacine Sarr, Manager, WER – Senegal 

The final selection committee will now review the 15 shortlisted applications and select 5 mentees to participate in the AWiDH Mentorship Program.