USAID funds health entrepreneurship program in Monrovia

LIBERIA—The Entrepreneurship Advancement Leveraging Research program (HEALR) from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has completed training the first cohort in Monrovia, Liberia.

The Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship activity is part of the USAID-funded Bridge-U: Applying Research for a Healthy Liberia, project at the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences.

The program from USAID will provide US$50000 for the winners of the program with the aim to strengthen the health board and the primary objective is to strengthen the health sector.

Dr. Plenseh Paye McCain, the Deputy Director of the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation (CTLI) speaking at the event said she was grateful that her team is celebrating the latest milestone of the Health Entrepreneurship Advancement Leveraging Research program.

Dr. McCain added, “We are delighted to celebrate the first cohort of the Creation program with this closing ceremony, awards, and dinner.”

CTLI Deputy Director added that around this time last year, Bridge-U supported ULCHS to launch the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation.

She added, “The participants were eager to learn. Thanks to the judges for taking up the time to select the participants.”

Moreover, the Center houses various programs that enrich academic activities at the college, to strengthen the health workforce pipeline and ultimately the health system.

Dr. McCain added, “These programs range from faculty development and research projects to clinical simulation education and the activity that brings us here today,”

Advocating for Health innovation and entrepreneurship

The primary objective of this activity is to instruct and mentor aspiring health entrepreneurs and help them launch new products and services that will improve the health of Liberians.

Six teams of aspiring health entrepreneurs comprising nine members have received financial awards and certificates after winning the USAID-funded BRIDGE-U: Applying Research for a Healthy Liberia project HEALR Creation Course Pitch Fest.

The course participants represent six ventures that aim to address various gaps within the health sector: Genesis Medicine & Research Center, Pad It Up, Health Line First Aid Delivery Service, Mertu Diagnostic Mobile Laboratory, SADERON Pharmaceutical, and LEO Nutrition.

Through USAID -funded BRIDGE -U: Liberia, the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences (ULCHS), in collaboration with the Consortia for Improving Medicine with Innovation and Technology (CIMIT) through HEALR: Health Entrepreneurship Advancement Leveraging Research.

Additionally, the program designed the Creation Course to support aspiring health entrepreneurs in developing their skills while accelerating the progress of their health ventures.

Also in attendance was Emily Sheldon of the African Health Innovation Center, who praised the participants for their commitment to the program.

“Every single day, you have shown commitment and dedication. You made a real change in the lives of your family and the community. We are so inspired by your commitment to solving problems,” said Sheldon.

Jenna Nickerson, CIMIT Team member told the participants, “We have enjoyed working with you in the last six months. You have a real opportunity ahead of you and use it wisely. Each team shows different strengths, and it is such an opportunity for them.”

Also, former Health Minister Dr. Bernice Dahn praised the participants for changing the narrative in the health sector.

“In the health sector in Liberia, we are business oriented. It is a notion that once you have graduated you want to work. Even when we do business it is just a small one and the job is the bigger one and if we did not get paid then we go on strike, but I want to say thank you for your service and continue your good work,” Dr. Dahn added.

Leelah J. Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of Leo Nutrition and 1st Place Prize Winner of the program said with the knowledge and funds provided, they are poised to compete with anyone on the market.

“Before starting this program, I had ideas but compared to knowledge gains now. However, I want to appreciate Mr. Dennis for pushing me very hard and today I want to thank everyone,” Clarke who won the prize of US$20,00 said.

Clarke attributed the knowledge gained and winning of the 1st place prize award to his commitment and dedication, especially the engagement of his mentors throughout the nine months.

“During the course, we had to meet Tuesday and Friday but there were days that we have to work excluding our meeting days and even overtime. I think the issue of the money is a big thing but most importantly, we all are equipped with the knowledge to do better and expand,” he stated.

Clarke expressed gratitude to the mentors for the level of mentorship offered during the program and assured the University of Liberia and USAID of putting more energy into the process.

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