AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
Application Details
Applicants should complete the form below.
The application should be no
longer than five pages in length for sections one through six. These are the
sections that will be scored by an independent team of reviewers. No more
than eight pages of attachments can be included as appendices and all
should relate directly to the application’s requirements. CV of the Project lead,
Co- lead and other team members as well as Letters of support from project
lead organization
and community stakeholders (if any) is required in the
appendix. Applications may be returned /dropped if the information is
insufficient for review or does not follow the guidelines. For further detail please
refer to the information listed on call announcement.
.
Application Submittal
The application is due January 31, 2024, 12:00 PM Ethiopian time in Word
attachment via email to shallo.daba@ahri.gov.et. The subject of the email
should be stated as “Accelerating Catalyzing Solutions for Climate Change’s
Impact on Health''. You will receive an email of confirmation receipt within three
working days. Please contact us via email or +251118356823 with any questions
or for assistance.
Applications will be examined and assessed according to the following criteria:
Mandatory Criteria (pass or fail mark) – Step 1
(a) Innovativeness of the proposed Climate Change solution (PCCS)
(b) Relevance and Responsiveness of the PCCS to improve Global Health
Point Rated Criteria (Out of 100 points) – Step 2
(a)Potential societal impact (capability to yield scalable solution and
improvement) -20 points
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AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
(b)Clarity on likelihood of success and failure of the proposed Climate
Change solution – 20 points
(c) Feasibility of implementation – 25 points
(d)Scalability and Sustainability of the proposed Climate Change solution –
20 points
(e) Project execution plan – 15 points
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AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
Basic Applicant Information
Name of Hosting
Organization of the
applicants
Name of Project Lead
Email
Phone
Physical address
Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization
Name of Co-Lead
Mrs Dejene Nuguse
abdissaicdo@gmail.com
+251913742637
Addiss Ababa to Bishoftu express way road 1 km Ekos
building first floor Dukem Tedacha woreda
Mr Dejene Nuguse
Email
abdissaicdo@gmail.com
Phone
+251913742637
Physical address
Innovation Title
Dukem Oromia Ethiopia
Technical Application
A summary paragraph/abstract of innovation in response to the following
question:
1. What is the essence of your idea and how will it significantly improve and
sustain Health1 of the Ethiopian communities (<200words)
An effective approach to improving and sustaining the health of Ethiopian
communities involves a multifaceted strategy integrating education, access to
healthcare, and technological innovation. Implementing comprehensive health
education programs tailored to local cultures and languages is crucial. These
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Consider including the following information in your response:
● Rationale: What problem will the innovation address? Please be specific.
● Objective, End point, and Impact: What is the primary objective and expected end point of your
innovation within the award period? Over the longer term? What is the total addressable impact of the
innovation if successful?
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AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
programs should focus on preventive care, hygiene, nutrition, and disease
management, empowering individuals to make informed health choices.
Additionally, improving access to healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas,
through mobile clinics or telemedicine initiatives can bridge the gap between
remote communities and medical professionals. Technological solutions like
mobile health apps or SMS-based information services can disseminate vital
health information and provide remote consultations.
Collaboration between government entities, NGOs, and local communities is
essential for the sustainability of these efforts. This involves building
infrastructure, training local healthcare workers, and creating community support
systems.
Moreover, emphasizing research and development in healthcare technology
specific to Ethiopian needs, such as low-cost diagnostic tools or tailored
treatment options, can significantly impact healthcare accessibility and
affordability.
By combining education, technology, accessible healthcare, and community
involvement, the initiative aims to uplift Ethiopian communities' health, ensuring
long-term improvements and sustainability in their well-being.
2. What makes this essence a significant improvement of the Health of
Ethiopian communities compared to standard practice? (<200 words)
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AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
Section 1.Innovation: What is your idea? 2
● The essence of your idea – the specific problem you are addressing, your
proposed solution and how it will be delivered, (<, 300 words)
The specific problem at hand is the lack of comprehensive and accessible healthcare
in Ethiopian communities, particularly in remote areas. This results in preventable
illnesses, inadequate treatment, and limited health education, contributing to poor
overall health outcomes.
The proposed solution involves a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, implementing
tailored health education programs is crucial. These programs will cover preventive
care, hygiene, nutrition, and disease management, ensuring that individuals are
equipped with the knowledge to make informed health decisions.
Secondly, addressing the accessibility gap through technology-driven initiatives is
pivotal. This involves deploying mobile clinics, telemedicine services, and health apps.
Mobile clinics will reach remote regions, providing basic healthcare services, while
telemedicine will facilitate consultations with healthcare professionals. Health apps
will disseminate information and provide resources for self-care and awareness.
Community involvement and cultural relevance are integral. Engaging community
leaders, local healthcare workers, and residents in designing and implementing these
programs ensures their alignment with cultural beliefs and practices, enhancing
acceptance and sustainability.
Furthermore, a focus on research and development specifically tailored to Ethiopian
healthcare needs is essential. This involves creating affordable and effective
diagnostic tools, treatments, and technologies that cater to the unique challenges
faced by these communities.
2
(Idea should directly fit with the scope of Catalyzing Equitable Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use to Improve Global
Health
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AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
Delivery of these solutions will involve collaboration between government bodies,
NGOs, healthcare professionals, and local communities. This concerted effort will
establish infrastructure, provide training, and create ongoing support systems,
fostering long-term sustainability.
By addressing the root causes—lack of education, limited access, cultural disparities,
and inadequate resources—this comprehensive approach aims to uplift Ethiopian
communities' health, promoting well-being and resilience for generations to come.
● Who are the primary beneficiaries? What makes your proposed innovation
unique (<, 300 words)
The primary beneficiaries of this proposed innovation are the Ethiopian communities,
particularly those in remote or underserved areas. Individuals who currently face
limited access to healthcare services and information will benefit significantly. This
includes women, children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses who often
struggle to access adequate medical care.
What sets this innovation apart is its holistic and inclusive nature. It's not merely about
providing medical aid or technology; it's a comprehensive approach addressing various
facets of healthcare. Tailored health education programs ensure that individuals have
the knowledge to prevent illnesses and manage their health effectively.
The integration of technology for healthcare delivery is another unique aspect. By
utilizing mobile clinics, telemedicine, and health apps, this approach bridges
geographical barriers, reaching communities that were previously isolated. The
emphasis on culturally relevant initiatives ensures that healthcare practices align with
local beliefs and customs, increasing acceptance and engagement.
Moreover, the focus on research and development tailored to Ethiopian healthcare
needs distinguishes this innovation. Creating affordable and specifically designed
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AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
tools and treatments addresses the unique challenges faced by these communities,
making healthcare more accessible and effective.
The collaborative effort involving government bodies, NGOs, healthcare professionals,
and community members is also a standout feature. This partnership ensures a
sustainable and inclusive implementation of these initiatives, fostering community
ownership and long-term success.
By catering to diverse needs, leveraging technology, respecting cultural nuances, and
fostering collaboration, this innovation stands out as a comprehensive, adaptable, and
community-centric solution for enhancing healthcare in Ethiopian communities.
●
Explain how your idea is substantially different from other current approaches
used to address the stated problem and how it improves upon the best
existing alternatives. If alternatives exist, please provide specific examples for
comparison. If similar innovation exist on the market, please clearly describe
what makes yours different from the existing one (<300 words)
Certainly! The innovation proposed differs significantly from current approaches by
integrating multiple elements into a cohesive strategy. While some existing initiatives
might focus on singular aspects like healthcare access or education, this approach
combines tailored health education, technology-driven accessibility, cultural relevance,
and research-driven solutions into a unified framework.
For instance, compared to traditional healthcare outreach programs that might offer
limited services in remote areas, this innovation goes beyond by utilizing mobile clinics
for immediate healthcare needs, integrating telemedicine for consultations, and
supplementing these with accessible health apps for continuous support. Existing
models might lack this comprehensive approach, often focusing on singular solutions
rather than a holistic system.
Furthermore, while some interventions might offer health education, they might not
consider cultural variations, resulting in lower engagement and effectiveness. This
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AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
innovation places a strong emphasis on cultural relevance, involving community
leaders and considering local beliefs and practices in healthcare delivery. This
distinguishes it from approaches that overlook or disregard these crucial aspects.
In terms of technology, while there might be existing health apps or telemedicine
platforms, their adaptation and customization for Ethiopian healthcare needs are
limited. This proposed innovation aims to develop and utilize technology specifically
tailored to the unique challenges and requirements of Ethiopian communities.
Additionally, while research and development efforts exist globally, tailoring solutions
specifically to Ethiopian healthcare needs is often overlooked. This innovation
prioritizes the creation of affordable, locally adaptable tools and treatments, setting it
apart from generalized global health initiatives.
Overall, the innovation's integration of culturally sensitive education, technology,
community involvement, and tailored research sets it apart as a comprehensive,
community-centric, and adaptable solution uniquely designed for Ethiopian healthcare
challenges.
●
Explain why the proposed solution will be a top priority in the proposed
intervention area and/or context of care as well as any additional settings
into which the innovation might be introduced and scaled. Present evidence
if possible (<200 words)
The proposed solution addresses critical gaps in Ethiopian healthcare, making it a top
priority in this context. Evidence suggests that limited healthcare access and
education contribute to high rates of preventable diseases and poor health outcomes
in Ethiopia, especially in remote areas. For instance, the World Health Organization
highlights Ethiopia's challenges in healthcare access, indicating a need for innovative
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AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
solutions. Additionally, the success of similar comprehensive healthcare approaches
in other developing regions supports the potential impact of this solution. Its
adaptability and focus on community involvement make it scalable not only within
Ethiopia but also in similar resource-limited settings globally, where similar
challenges in healthcare access and education persist. Such evidence underscores
the urgency and relevance of this solution, positioning it as a critical intervention to
significantly improve healthcare outcomes in Ethiopia and potentially in analogous
contexts worldwide.
Section II. Potential Societal Impact:
● How does your proposed innovation solution demonstrate its capability to
yield a scalable solution /describe capability of your solution to yield high
societal impact at low cost and/or how it addresses inequalities? (<200
words)
The proposed innovation demonstrates scalability through its adaptable
framework. By leveraging existing technologies like mobile clinics and
telemedicine alongside culturally tailored health education, it ensures a
cost-effective and scalable solution. This approach capitalizes on community
engagement, utilizing local resources and knowledge to amplify its impact without
significant infrastructure investments.
Moreover, the emphasis on research and development for locally relevant
healthcare tools fosters cost-effectiveness. Creating affordable diagnostic tools
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AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
and treatments addresses inequalities by making healthcare accessible to
marginalized communities.
Its holistic nature addresses inequalities by targeting various determinants of
health, empowering individuals with knowledge, bridging geographical gaps, and
respecting cultural nuances. This comprehensive strategy aims to uplift
underserved communities, mitigating healthcare disparities and fostering societal
impact without imposing high financial burdens.
Section III. Clarity on the likelihood of success and failure:
● How
does
your
proposal
demonstrate
potential
scientific
and/or
technological risks and/or harmful unintended consequences that will hinder
the
likelihood
of
implementing
Climate
Change
solution
suitability,
effectiveness, cost, and its potential impact at scale and how to mitigate
them/how your innovation will address them? (<200 words)
While the proposed innovation harnesses technology for healthcare advancement,
potential risks include technological limitations in remote regions, such as
connectivity issues affecting telemedicine or app accessibility. Climate change can
exacerbate these challenges, impacting infrastructure and resources crucial for
technological solutions.
To mitigate these risks, the innovation employs adaptable technology that can
function even in low-connectivity environments. Additionally, it emphasizes
community engagement, training locals to manage and troubleshoot technological
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AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
Section IV. Feasibility of Implementation:
● How does your proposed climate and health solution demonstrate its
capability to be implemented with the existing healthcare delivery systems
and infrastructure of Ethiopia and other low-income countries? (<100 words)
The innovation aligns with existing healthcare systems by complimenting them
rather than replacing them. Leveraging mobile clinics integrates seamlessly with
Ethiopia's outreach programs, enhancing accessibility. Similarly, telemedicine
augments existing services by extending consultations to remote areas. By
emphasizing adaptability and community involvement, this solution integrates with
the infrastructure of low-income countries, ensuring feasibility and scalability.
Section V. Sustainability and Scalability:
● How does your solution demonstrate its potential to scale and sustain health
and development impacts?
Does your proposed solution have an
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integrated scientific/technological, social and business innovation that could
be sustainably implemented at scale preferably using domestic resources
that could attract the private sector or government to invest for mass
3
Briefly describe your project’s potential for scale and sustainability. Sustainability is defined as cost-recovery,
sustained use, and sustainable impact. Strong applications will include a proposed business plan for financial
sustainability beyond the donor funding period. Describe how the project will continue to have realized beneficial
health and development impacts after the funding period. Describe use of local resources and how it attracts
private sectors, governments and end users.
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AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
production?
Describe how your proposed innovation solution attracts
private sectors in terms of production costs and sales prices that will increase
beneficiary’s demand of the innovation? (<300 words)
The proposed solution's sustainability and scalability stem from its
multi-dimensional approach. Its technological aspect, including health apps
and telemedicine, offers avenues for private sector involvement in tech
development, infrastructure improvement, and equipment production. By
demonstrating cost-effective technology, it attracts private investment due to
its potential market demand and scalability.
Social innovation involves community participation, fostering ownership and
sustainability. Training local healthcare workers creates job opportunities,
encouraging government and private sector involvement in skill development
and employment initiatives.
The business model emphasizes affordability and adaptability, attracting
private sector interest. By utilizing domestic resources and local expertise,
production costs remain low, incentivizing private sector involvement. With
government support and incentivization, the private sector could invest in
mass production, driving down costs further and increasing accessibility.
Moreover, the solution's ability to improve healthcare outcomes elevates its
demand. As beneficiaries experience better health, the demand for these
innovations grows, creating a market pull that attracts private sector
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AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
investment. The integration of social, technological, and business
innovations creates a sustainable ecosystem, aligning with government
agendas for health improvement, thereby encouraging public-private
partnerships and investments for long-term impact and scalability.
Section VI. Execution: How will you implement your plan?4
● Describe the project execution plan and critical milestones that demonstrate
progress towards the project outcome to be achieved during the funding
period. 5 (<300 words)
Certainly! Here's an outline of the project execut
​
​
​
​
​
Preparation and Research (Months 1-2): Conduct an in-depth analysis of
existing healthcare systems, infrastructure, and community needs. Identify
key stakeholders and form partnerships with local healthcare providers, NGOs,
and government bodies.
Design and Development (Months 3-6): Develop tailored health education
materials and curricula aligned
Pilot Implementation (Months 7-9): Initiate a pilot program
Expansion and Training (Months 10-12): Expand the program to addi
Monitoring and Evaluation (Ongoing): Implement a robust monitoring and
evaluation system to track metrics like increased healthcare access, improved
health literacy, and technology utilization. Regularly assess the program's
impact and make iterative improvements.
4
Use this section to briefly describe the project implementation plan specific to the results to be achieved with the
awarded fund
5
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AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
​
​
Scale-Up and Integration (Months 13-18): Expand the program to cover a
wider geographic area, leveraging partnerships with governmental bodies and
private sector involvement. Integrate program activities into existing
healthcare systems for sustainability.
Assessment and Sustainability (Months 19-24): Conduct a comprehensive
assessment to measure the program's overall impact and sustainability.
Identify areas for continuous improvement and long-term sustainability,
focusing on community ownership and local resource mobilization.
Critical milestones include successful completion of the pilot phase, expansion into
new communities, measurable improvements in health outcomes, successful
integration with existing healthcare structures, and evidence of community
empowerment and engagement. These milestones will signify progress towards
achieving the project's outcomes within the funding period.
● Provide a detailed schedule or timeline for the attainment of each milestone
and/or objective. Describe feasibility and achievability of your project
execution plan with the intended resource and timeline (including detailed
action plan with well-prepared Gantt-chart) (<500 words)
Creating a detailed schedule involves several components. Here's an outline:
Milestone 1: Preparation and Research (Months 1-2)
● Week 1-2: Stakeholder identification and initial meetings
● Week 3-4: Conduct healthcare system analysis and community needs
assessment
● Week 5-6: Form partnerships and finalize project plan
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AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
Milestone 2: Design and Development (Months 3-6)
● Week 1-4: Develop tailored health education materials
● Week 5-8: Design and initiate customization of technological solutions
● Week 9-12: Refine materials and technology based on feedback
Milestone 3: Pilot Implementation (Months 7-9)
● Week 1-2: Select pilot communities and prepare for implementation
● Week 3-6: Implement education programs and technology in pilot areas
● Week 7-9: Gather feedback and data for evaluation
Milestone 4: Expansion and Training (Months 10-12)
● Week 1-2: Identify new communities for expansion
● Week 3-6: Implement programs in new areas; conduct training sessions
● Week 7-12: Monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed
Milestone 5: Monitoring and Evaluation (Ongoing)
● Continuous tracking of metrics and data collection
● Quarterly reviews and adjustments based on evaluation findings
Milestone 6: Scale-Up and Integration (Months 13-18)
● Week 1-4: Expand to additional regions; integrate with existing healthcare
systems
● Week 5-10: Strengthen partnerships and engage private sector for scalability
● Week 11-18: Monitor scalability and sustainability efforts
Milestone 7: Assessment and Sustainability (Months 19-24)
● Week 1-4: Conduct comprehensive impact assessment
● Week 5-8: Identify areas for sustained improvements and long-term
sustainability
● Week 9-12: Develop a sustainability plan based on assessment findings
Feasibility and achievability rely on a well-organized action plan and resource
allocation. The Gantt chart will outline specific tasks, their durations, and
dependencies. Adequate funding, skilled personnel, partnerships, and community
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AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
engagement are critical resources. Engaging local expertise and utilizing existing
infrastructure ensure feasibility. Regular evaluations allow for adaptive management
and course corrections, improving the project's chances of success within the
proposed timeline and resources.
● Budget justification –how the work will be performed within the budget and in
the time period allocated (24 months (<300 words). In addition, if the
applicant includes a global collaborator that needs allocation of funds up to
a maximum of 20%, there should be a clear justification of unique skills that
required the involvement.
The project will be executed within the 24-month budget through meticulous
planning and efficient resource management. Personnel expenses will prioritize
hiring local talent, reducing costs while ensuring cultural resonance and community
integration. Their expertise will be pivotal in successful program implementation.
Technology costs will be optimized by leveraging open-source platforms and local
tech proficiency. This approach ensures functionality within budget constraints,
focusing on adaptable and cost-effective solutions.
Procurement strategies for educational materials will emphasize local sourcing to
align with cultural contexts and manage expenses. Collaboration with existing
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AICDO (Abdissa Integrated Community Development Organization)
Research Institute Grand Challenges Ethiopia:
A Grand Challenge Approach for Health Innovations
Application Form
healthcare providers will facilitate access to equipment and infrastructure at
competitive rates.
Involving a global collaborator, if necessary, will be justified by their unique skills
unavailable locally. For instance, expertise in scalable technological solutions or
extensive experience in similar projects globally could significantly enhance project
outcomes. Allocating up to 20% of the budget for their involvement ensures access
to specialized skills that complement and amplify the project's impact. Regular
communication and alignment of objectives will maximize their contributions within
the specified budget and timeframe.
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