Susan Isiko Štrba, Technology, Innovation, Solidarity, COVID-19 and Lessons for the AfCFTA: A Brief Outline, 16 June 2020
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Abstract
When negotiating phase 2 of the AfCFTA, there is need to think of regional development and technology solutions for regional health challenges. Negotiators may consider including in the text appropriate provisions that will allow collaboration and nurturing of innovation capacity in Africa. More here: https://www.afronomicslaw.org/2020/06/16/technology-innovation-solidarity-covid-19-and-lessons-for-the-afcfta-a-brief-outline/
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Susan Isiko Štrba, Migrants, health and Economic effects of COVID-19 (2), 25 April 2020
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It has been acknowledged that the coronavirus knows no boundaries and respects no persons. Obviously, it has spread to and through migrants as well. While it would not be correct to say that all migrant workers are particularly disadvantaged when it comes to dealing with Covid-19, it is fair to say that many fall under the vulnerable group. More here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/migrants-health-economic-effects-covid-19-2-susan-isiko-strba/?trackingId=4UVpt9XPx1a4veI%2BaYLzPQ%3D%3D
Susan Isiko Štrba, Technology Transfer, Health and the Coronavirus (Part 1), 17 February 2020
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The impact of a virus outbreak, such as the coronavirus, on health might be obvious. But what does cancellation of the mobile world congress have to do with health? Or what does a virus outbreak have to do with technology transfer, especially to low income countries?
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At the end of last week, a Mobile technology congress was cancelled for fear of spread of the coronavirus. (See Mobile World Congress canceled amid coronavirus concerns. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/coronavirus-killed-one-worlds-biggest-tech-shows-mathew-katz/). It is lamented that “MWC is just one blow the coronavirus has dealt to the tech industry, of which China is a major pillar. The outbreak has also hit the supply chains of companies like Apple, as factories suspend operations and workers stay home to avoid the virus, disrupting the production of electronics in China.” Cancellation of the tech conference is indeed one blow to many other social and economic impacts of the coronavirus. Particularly, consider the effect on ehealth for low income countries.
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The WHO is “protecting #healthworkers by sending personal protective equipment to many countries & working with manufacturers to ensure supply. We’re training health workers. We’re providing advice to countries on how to do screening, testing, contact tracing & treatment".
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But how much can a world health organization do? Considerable effort and attention is currently dedicated to the coronavirus, and rightly so. But what is the way out for technology transfer in other health areas? A few examples come to mind in light of travel constraints due to Coronavirus. Think of a pharmacists or medical worker from an emerging pharmaceutical industry in Africa who would gain experience through a few months’ stay and training at a plant in India, China or other part of the world.
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