Linking Health Innovation and Health Systems
Date Released: 02 March 2009Podcasts available to download
Technology for Health Systems Strengthening (THeSyS)
The world's poorest populations are in desperate need of medicines, vaccines and diagnostics. Product Development Partnerships (PDPs) such as the International Aids Vaccine Inititative, are designed to promote fast product development to address these needs but many face difficult issues.
In addition to immense scientific challenges, some Product Development Partnerships (PDPS) have been criticised for their lack of integration with existing health and research systems in developing countries and with the global current credit crunch, many Partnerships also face funding challenges.
The lack of integration with health systems is one area Innogen researchers are keen to focus on. Professor Joanna Chataway, a Co-Director of Innogen and Professor of Biotechnology and Development at the Open University, has been leading Innogen's research into Product Development Partnerships.
Professor Chataway and colleagues, Dr Rebecca Hanlin, Dr Julius Mugwagwa and Dr Lois Muraguri, have organised an online eDiscussion and International Workshop to encourage further critical debate and analysis of the link between Product Development Partnerships (PDPs) and health systems.
In addition to the formal workshop on 'Linking Health innovation and Health Systems' to be held at the Open University on 6th & 7th April 2009, there is also the opportunity for people around the world to contribute online.
Podcasts from leading researchers in health innovation and health systems are available to download by following the link to the THeSyS website:
- Dr Christian Loucq - Director, PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative
- Professor Maureen Mackintosh - Professor of Economics, Open University
- Professor Judith Sutz - Professor of Science, Technology and Society, University of the Republic, Uruguay
After listening to the podcasts, you are welcome to post comments and questions in response. You will also be invited to particpate in an online discussion with the researchers listed above.
The aim of the workshop and online discussion is to:
- Bring further understanding of health innovation approaches
- Identify the tools required for effective and sustainable delivery of these innovations on the ground.
For additional information about the online discussion and formal workshop, please contact Dr Julius Mugwagwa or visit the THeSyS website.
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