Mountain Model is the backbone of the first ever World Health Innovation Forum
14 November 2023
The first World Health Innovation Forum was held from November 14th to 16th at Kalam Institute of Health Technology in India. The Mountain Model played a key role in the forum, as the six stages of the Model formed the backbone of the entire agenda, guiding discussions and presentations throughout.
The forum saw the participation of 80 WHO member states and participants, including government representatives from countries like UAE, Netherlands, India, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and others, engaged in open conversations on challenges and solutions for scaling proven innovations. Amidst the forum's bustling program, bilateral meetings were held to align strategies and goals of the WHO Innovation Hub with ministries of health and government representatives. Innovation leaders from various organizations and budding innovators also showcased their projects, highlighting the diverse landscape of health innovation. Throughout the event, the WHO Innovation Hub's Eurêka Innovation space showcased notable innovations, such as the Selfcare Wheel, demonstrating the potential for public sector-led innovation to address pressing health issues.
“We learned that the journey up the mountain is not achieved alone- that the long trek must be undertaken together – but that government is key to ensuring that RIGHT path is taken, the appropriate rules are followed, and that, like a sherpa on a Himalayan journey, government is engaged as a trusted advisor, planner, and guide to scaling-up.”
The program structure centered around the Mountain Model, providing a systematic approach to scaling innovation in the public sector. Keynote speeches from renowned thought leaders, including Mariana Mazzucato and Sandrine Dixson-Decleve, emphasized the importance of innovation in achieving health for all. Noteworthy was the participation of individuals like Samson Saiglu from Kenya’s Kajiado County and Dr. Ayele Teshome, the State Minister for Health in Ethiopia, who shared insights on various stages of the Mountain Model and how they’ve applied them in their very own country experience.
Notably, Louise Agersnap, Head of the WHO Innovation Hub, also launched a Global Call to Action for advancing public sector innovation, urging governments to prioritize health-related challenges. Key learnings from the forum underscored the need for collaborative efforts to scale innovations effectively, ensuring equitable access to healthcare solutions. Dr. Tedros Adhanom-Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the crucial role of innovation in improving health outcomes and called for collective action to overcome barriers hindering innovation dissemination.
Innovation, as highlighted by Dr. Tedros, remains pivotal in advancing global health, requiring courage, collaboration, and concerted efforts to bridge gaps and promote equity in healthcare delivery.
“I’m excited for the challenging road ahead, and I hope you are too. See you at the mountain top.”
Authored by: Tom Feeny and Anna Giulia Ponchia
