Panel: Community-Driven Health Equity: Harnessing Local Leadership and Innovation

Sunday, September 22, 2024

11:00am-12:45pm

Date & Time: September 22, 2024, from 11:00 am to 12:45 pm

Location: Doris Duke Foundation, 444 Madison Ave 10th floor, New York, NY 10022

In the pursuit of health equity, local leadership and innovation play pivotal roles in shaping impactful strategies and solutions. This session delved into how local leaders can drive effective health interventions tailored to local contexts, fostering inclusivity and equity. Participants explored insights from leaders at the forefront of health innovation, highlighting successful approaches to addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.

Featured Speakers: Busie Matsiko-Andan, Founder and CEO, Pont Global; Carine Mathurin, Director, Global Impact Giving, Merck; Rumana Ahmed, Senior Program Officer, Partner Ecosystems Global Policy & Advocacy; Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Tanya Accone, Senior Adviser on Innovation, Office of Innovation, UNICEF; Anatole Manzi, Deputy Chief Medical Officer,  Partners in Health;  Ashlee Wisdom, Founder & CEO, Health in Her Hue; and Dorian Burton, Managing Partner & CEO, SRF Capital & SRF Impact

Summary: The discussion highlighted the vital role of diaspora members in elevating community voices and tackling health disparities. Key measures for evaluating community-driven health initiatives include enhancing quality of life, meeting defined objectives, and setting clear baselines. Insights from the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the need to break down silos and recognize the value of community health workers. Speakers emphasized the importance of strategic investments, leveraging public-private partnerships, and fostering diverse funding streams to effectively address racial health disparities. Finally, the conversation underscored the crucial role of government, policymakers, and academia in driving health innovation.