Dr. Charles Akhimien
Mypaddi App developed by innovator and medical doctor, Dr. Charles Akhimen, who operates from Edo State Government-backed Edo Innovation Hub has been selected as one of the top 30 finalists in the World Health Organisation Health Innovation Challenge. The innovative application was picked from a pool of over 2400 entries from 77 countries and was selected for the “potential for making impact as well as the ability to be scaled up in a sustainable way.” The innovators will be formally recognised on the opening day of the second WHO Africa Health Forum in Praia, Cape Verde, on March 26, 2019.
Dr. Charles Akhimen and his team develop solutions for society’s pressing health-related problems, most notably sexual and reproductive health, and maternal and child health. Dr Akhimen is hosted at the Edo Innovation Hub, a cluster for innovators and inventors set up by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to develop the capacity of youths for the state’s emerging innovation technology ecosystem. According to him, “myPaddi app provides young people with access to accurate, unbiased and youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health information, while ensuring they remain totally anonymous. The app also connects these young people to health professionals in a real-time chat.”
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, said “The extent of response from the Innovation Challenge affirms the enthusiasm, especially among young people, to make a difference and contribute to the health care system on the continent. Health innovators have found a new home at WHO, where their innovative ideas will be supported in partnership with our network of stakeholders.” Other Nigerians that made the top 30 finalists are Dr. Doris Jema Onyeador with Maldor Gift of Sight; Dr. Ebinabo Ofrey for GeroCare; Morenike Fajemisin for WHISPA mHealth App; Dr. Ime Asangansi for Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) Data Collection Platform and Multi-Source Data Analytics and Triangulation Dashboard; Charles Onu for Ubenwa and Dr. Imodoye Abioro for Bimi Online for Africa.