One of the defining moments of the 76th ECSA Health Ministers Conference was the launch of the WHO Scaling Innovations in Public Health Systems Guidance and Toolkit. It is a timely intervention as health systems across Africa rapidly adopt digital tools, data platforms, and AI-enabled decision-making.

The question is no longer can we innovate?

It is how do we innovate responsibly, ethically, and at scale, within government systems? This toolkit matters because it offers:

1. A structured, government-led approach to integrating innovation into public health systems
2. Clear guardrails to ensure innovation advances equity rather than deepening gaps
3. A reminder that technology must serve people and systems, not the other way around

This resonates deeply with how we approach innovation at Living Goods. For us, it is not about shiny tools. It’s about:

• Deepen community health worker (CHW) capacity and increase motivation
• Enhance speed in early detection & response
• Close gaps in continuum of care
• We aim for government affordability, adoption, and long-term sustainability.

These principles were reinforced on the final day of the conference, as Ministers of Health adopted 10 landmark resolutions committing the region to:
– Accelerate innovative and sustainable health financing
– Strengthen preparedness for health emergencies and climate shocks
– Integrate regional health data and digital governance
– Invest in health workforce leadership and capacity
– Advance equitable, resilient, and people-centered health systems

Together, the toolkit launch and the adopted resolutions send a clear signal:
innovation must be intentional, government-led, and anchored in equity and sustainability.

Access the Toolkit here: Scaling innovations in public health systems: guidance and toolkit