13 August 2026 – Partners in Population and Development (PPD), in collaboration with the Health Innovation Exchange (HIEx), convened a high-level virtual webinar entitled Transforming Healthcare Access Through Innovation: A High-Level Briefing for PPD Member Countries. The event brought together participants including PPD Board Members, Partner Country Coordinators, senior government officials, development partners, and technical experts.
The webinar marked the first concrete activity under the developing strategic partnership between PPD and HIEx, a Geneva based global platform that connects governments, innovators, investors, and international organisations to accelerate equitable access to health innovation. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), PPD’s longstanding development partner, also contributed to the discussion.
In his opening remarks, Professor Dr. Joseph Akinkugbe Adelegan, Executive Director of PPD, stressed that health innovation must be guided by the priorities and realities of Member Countries. He noted that PPD’s network of 28 Member States provides a distinctive platform for connecting national health needs with relevant technologies, technical expertise, and sustainable financing. He called for country led solutions that respond directly to challenges identified by governments and communities.
Mr. Bobby Olarte, Senior Adviser for South-South and Triangular Cooperation at UNFPA, highlighted the importance of technical exchange, technology transfer, and collaborative programming in strengthening country owned health systems. Mr. Pradeep Kakkattil, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of HIEx, and Dr. Biju Jacob, Chief Technology Officer of HIEx, presented a range of opportunities, including artificial intelligence enabled diagnostics, handheld ultrasound for maternal and newborn health, telemedicine and remote surgical support, advanced therapies, digital health infrastructure, sovereign health data systems, and innovative financing.
The discussion underlined that technology alone cannot deliver impact. Participants emphasised the need for local capacity, reliable infrastructure, appropriate data governance, regulatory readiness, and investment ready project plans. Member Country representatives expressed particular interest in maternal and newborn health, sovereign data systems, local innovation and production, early stage financing, and innovative resource mobilisation.
Mr. Chipo, the Investment Specialist from UNFPA Headquarters also shared UNFPA’s work to link women’s health innovation with financing, including sustainable approaches to expanding access to point of care ultrasound and strengthening midwife training. UNFPA and HIEx both reaffirmed their readiness to support practical follow up actions with PPD and interested Member Countries.
The webinar concluded with an agreement that PPD will circulate a summary and invite Member Countries to submit preliminary areas of interest. The PPD Secretariat will facilitate bilateral consultations with HIEx and interested Member Countries to identify priority interventions, develop feasible project concepts, explore pilot programmes, and mobilise resources.
