March 2025 – The East African Biodesign Fellowship has progressed to the pivotal needs screening phase, where fellows apply rigorous analytical frameworks to evaluate and prioritize the healthcare challenges identified during their clinical immersions. This critical stage represents the transition from observation to strategic problem-solving.

During this phase, fellows employ systematic methodologies to assess the significance, prevalence, and potential impact of various unmet healthcare needs across East Africa. The needs screening process ensures that subsequent innovation efforts are directed toward challenges with the greatest potential for meaningful impact on regional healthcare outcomes.

This methodical approach to needs identification and validation exemplifies the fellowship’s commitment to evidence-based innovation and sustainable solution development that addresses genuine healthcare gaps in the East African context.