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
Address
Building Healthier, Resilient Communities
Phone
+251966217319
© 2025. All rights reserved.
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Contact Us
Kordheere, 05, Jigjiga, Somali, Ethiopia


