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Health Entrepreneurship

Advancement Leveraging

Research Program

Insights from My Experience with BRIDGE-U: Liberia's HEALR Program

Author: Deerah Mensah - Participant, Creation Course

Deerah is working on efficient, one-stop malaria testing and treatment sites

Testimonial

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Front center: Deerah Mensah poses for a photo with the CTLI Deputy Director for Innovation and participants from the Ideation Course.

The Creation course has been and still is a journey of innovation and determination in tackling health challenges in Liberia. Our ability enhanced by mentorship to generate multiple solutions and select the best one through customer feedback has been an empowering experience. The most exciting days of the creation course are the validation process, which requires us to physically interact with the end users and potential buyers of the health solutions and stakeholders.

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The mutual support and encouragement among participants have made this learning journey truly inspiring. The teaching materials, concepts, procedures, and insights obtained from the creation course are not restricted to health projects, but it is also applicable to launching a successful business in related fields. With the knowledge gained, I have been able to mentor peers interested in starting their businesses and apply the learning to my own business.

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The instructors' teaching models are impressive. The teaching method emphasizes practical application (research, field study, presentation) over literature. A huge part of our efficiency comes down to the assignment of a mentor to a participant. This is a key factor in the success and excellence of each project.

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The program's comprehensive curriculum, expert guidance, and hands-on experience have equipped participants with essential entrepreneurial skills and instilled a sense of confidence to make a positive impact in the healthcare sector. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a transformative program.

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Author:

Delphine Williams - Participant, Creation Course

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Delphine is designing a nimble emergency response service, motivated by maternal deaths caused by fatal delays in reaching care

I am eager to share the transformative experience I had with BRIDGE-U: Liberia's Health Entrepreneurship Advancement Leveraging Research (HEALR) Program. This journey, marked by deep learning and collaboration, has significantly shaped my understanding of health innovation and the power of international partnerships.

My involvement began with the ideation course, a crucial phase that laid the groundwork for developing innovative health solutions tailored to Liberia's unique context. Through intensive workshops and collaborative sessions, I gained a significant understanding of the specific health challenges faced by local communities. This period was characterized by a thorough exploration of how innovative approaches could address these issues effectively.​​​

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One of the most impactful aspects of this course was the opportunity to work closely with BRIDGE-U: Liberia’s international partners and expert instructors. Their diverse perspectives and expertise were instrumental in expanding my knowledge base. I learned to integrate global best practices with local needs, striking a balance that is both practical and innovative.

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The instructors facilitated a hands-on learning environment where we engaged in case studies, simulations, and brainstorming sessions. Their guidance helped me understand the complexities of health systems and the importance of designing solutions that are culturally sensitive and scalable.

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The collaboration with international partners provided invaluable insights into how diverse teams can work together to address global health challenges. We exchanged ideas, tackled real-world problems, and developed strategies that drew from a broad range of experiences and expertise. This collaborative approach enriched my learning experience and highlighted the significance of leveraging global knowledge to create impactful solutions. As I continue to engage with the Health Innovation Program, I am constantly applying and expanding upon the knowledge gained during the ideation phase.

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The principles of innovation and collaboration that I learned are guiding my work and helping me approach health challenges with a fresh perspective. During the innovation period, I explored various solutions to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Liberia, West Africa. I refined these ideas to develop more effective strategies for enhancing healthcare access and lowering mortality rates. With continued support and training from the project expert, this solution is constantly evolving. An emergency response service (EMS) is urgently needed in Liberia, especially in remote areas where pregnant women frequently face fatal delays due to distance from healthcare facilities. There is nothing more tragic than a mother dying while giving life, and the BRIDGE-U: Liberia HEALR has deepened my understanding of how innovative solutions can improve health outcomes. My experience with BRIDGE-U: Liberia has not only deepened my understanding of health innovation but also underscored the importance of cross-cultural collaboration and continuous learning. The skills and insights gained from this program are proving to be invaluable as I move forward in my endeavors.

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