SHIFA Selected for the African Impact Challenge 2026 Bootcamp 🚀

Sustainable Health Initiatives for All (SHIFA) has been selected to participate in the Health Entrepreneurship Stream – Builder Track of the African Impact Challenge 2026 Bootcamp, organized by the African Impact Initiative. The program brings together promising African innovators working to develop scalable solutions to pressing social and health challenges across the continent.

SHIFA’s selection comes through its flagship innovation, the SHIFA Clinical Intelligence Platform (SCIP)—an AI-powered digital health platform designed to support frontline health workers in low-resource and crisis-affected settings. The platform aims to provide guideline-based clinical decision support that can help health workers diagnose conditions more efficiently, reduce delays in treatment, and improve the quality of care.

In countries like Ethiopia, where healthcare providers often serve large populations with limited resources, tools such as SCIP have the potential to strengthen clinical decision-making and support better health outcomes. The platform particularly focuses on improving care for mothers, newborns, and children, who remain among the most vulnerable populations in many underserved communities.

Participation in the bootcamp will allow SHIFA to work alongside innovators and mentors from across Africa to further develop the platform, refine its implementation strategy, and strengthen its sustainability model. The program also prepares selected teams for the next stage of the initiative—the African Impact Challenge Accelerator.

This opportunity comes from the award-winning African Impact Initiative, which was recently recognized as Best African Youth Entrepreneurship Accelerator 2026 by Corporate Vision Magazine through the Technology Excellence Awards 2026.

At SHIFA, we believe that innovation rooted in local realities can transform health systems and expand access to quality care. The development of the SHIFA Clinical Intelligence Platform reflects the organization’s commitment to building practical, scalable solutions that empower frontline health workers and strengthen healthcare delivery where it is needed most.

SHIFA looks forward to the learning, collaboration, and growth that will come through the African Impact Challenge Bootcamp as it continues working toward more resilient and equitable health systems.

SHIFA has been selected to join the Health Entrepreneurship Stream of the African Impact Challenge 2026 Bootcamp to develop the SHIFA Clinical Intelligence Platform (SCIP), an AI-powered tool supporting frontline health workers in low-resource settings.

Marburg Virus Outbreak in Ethiopia – SHIFA Statement (November 2025)

Published: 18 November 2025

Overview

Ethiopia has confirmed its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease, with nine detected cases in Jinka, Southern Ethiopia, and three confirmed deaths.
Authorities have activated emergency response mechanisms with support from WHO, Africa CDC, and regional health teams.

SHIFA joins the national and international community in responding to this urgent public health threat.

Current Situation

  • 9 confirmed cases reported

  • 3 confirmed deaths

  • Several individuals under monitoring and quarantine

  • Outbreak confirmed in Jinka, near the South Sudan border

  • Rapid response teams deployed

  • WHO and Africa CDC supporting case investigation, isolation, and contact tracing

Marburg virus is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. There is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment.

SHIFA’s Response

1. Community Awareness & Risk Communication

We are mobilizing our youth-led community networks in the Somali Region and beyond to:

  • Share accurate information on symptoms and prevention

  • Counter misinformation

  • Promote safe hygiene practices

2. Supporting Public Health Authorities

SHIFA is coordinating with the Ministry of Health, RHBs, and partners to:

  • Strengthen contact tracing

  • Support screening and early referrals

  • Provide logistics support where needed

3. Surveillance & Reporting

Our team is prepared to assist local health structures in:

  • Identifying suspected cases

  • Linking communities with health facilities

  • Enhancing local surveillance

4. Advocacy for Resources

We call on partners, donors, and humanitarian organizations to:

  • Scale up emergency support

  • Provide PPE, isolation materials, and community resources

  • Strengthen cross-border surveillance

About Marburg Virus

Transmission:

  • Direct contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated materials

  • Human-to-human spread through close contact

  • Origin associated with fruit bats

Symptoms:

  • High fever

  • Severe headache

  • Muscle pain

  • Vomiting / diarrhea

  • Hemorrhage in severe cases

How Communities Can Protect Themselves

  • Wash hands frequently

  • Avoid touching bodily fluids of sick individuals

  • Seek medical care if symptoms appear

  • Follow Ministry of Health updates

  • Avoid handling sick animals or bats

SHIFA Will Continue Providing Updates

We will share additional information as the situation evolves.

For inquiries:
📧 info@shifa-et.org