Human, animal, and plant health interventions are often not tested in local populations or are not suited to local conditions. It is important, therefore, to localise technologies or develop new interventions that consider local contexts, including poverty, climate threats, access to care, inequality, and unique genetics.

In this session we will share examples of how African scientists are developing diagnostics, cancer treatments, and cell lines for pharmaceutical testing, to ensure better health outcomes for African populations. Local diagnostic and vaccine technologies also have applications in agriculture, for instance through targeting local plant and animal virus strains.

There will also be a demonstration of a reconfigurable, low-cost and rugged Buggy-for-Life prototype to assist children, adults and caregivers affected by cerebral palsy. It is low-cost and rugged, and grows as you grow. The device, which is the first of its kind and destined for local manufacture, will help reduce preventable deformities caused by improper seating. It will also minimise the need for scarce specialists and costly callouts to rural areas.

After short presentations on their work, the panelists will engage with journalists on pressing issues such as:

• Why we need public discourse and understanding on localised medical and agricultural interventions.
• Key misconceptions about health and agricultural interventions in Africa.
• The role of the media in keeping authorities and communities informed and accountable on these issues.”