As the world increasingly turns to innovation to solve healthcare challenges, Northern Ireland stands out as a leader in the life and health sciences (LHS) sector, writes Urginia Mhlaba, trade & investment adviser – sub saharan Africa, Invest Northern Ireland.
With its unique combination of world-class research, industrial expertise, and clinical partnerships, it offers innovative healthcare solutions that are perfectly suited to address pressing needs in global markets, including Africa.
The region’s innovative approach to healthtech, medtech, and diagnostics is not only driving improvements at home but also presenting Africa with opportunities to transform its healthcare landscape.
A Legacy of Health Innovation
Northern Ireland’s commitment to healthcare innovation is underpinned by a rich history of breakthroughs. The invention of the portable defibrillator by Belfast cardiologist Frank Pantridge in 1965 is one of many examples of how the region’s medical advancements have had a global impact.
Today, Northern Ireland continues to push the boundaries of healthcare technology with solutions in data integration, digital health, and advanced pharmaceutical delivery systems. This legacy of innovation positions Northern Ireland as a crucial partner for African nations seeking to modernise their healthcare infrastructure.
Collaborative Ecosystem of Excellence
Northern Ireland, home to a collaborative ecosystem that integrates academia, industry, and healthcare professionals, has resulted in the rapid commercialisation of life-changing medical products. Two world class education institutions, Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University, along with more than 250 companies in the LHS sector, have enabled Northern Ireland to become a global leader in medtech, biotech and diagnostics.
Recently, a high-profile delegation from Africa visited Northern Ireland to explore the Life and Health Sciences ecosystem and capabilities and learn more about the innovation, solutions, and expertise in diagnostics, medical devices, and equipment, as well as Emerging Health Technologies.
Delivering Solutions for Africa’s Healthcare Challenges
Northern Ireland’s companies are offering innovative solutions tailored to meet evolving healthcare needs in Africa.
For example, Randox Laboratories, a key player in diagnostics, is already providing comprehensive diagnostic solutions across multiple African countries, helping to address public health issues through advanced testing kits and equipment.
Biopanda has expanded its presence in South, East and West Africa, delivering point-of-care testing solutions that are critical for resource-limited environments.
Meanwhile, CIGA Healthcare offers sophisticated diagnostic technologies that are helping hospitals in Africa enhance disease detection and management, particularly in newly-built facilities.
Ilimex leads in infection prevention and control and aims to deliver innovative solutions to improve the indoor air quality experience and support the African healthcare sector.
Moreover, SFXray, a well-known manufacturer of X-ray protection garments and equipment, plans to collaborate closely with health services and both private and public hospitals in South Africa to supply high-quality products that protect staff from scatter radiation.
Investing in the Future
Northern Ireland is committed to fostering long-term economic growth, particularly in the LHS sector, through significant government-led investment initiatives. The Belfast Region City Deal and the Derry and Strabane City Deal are key components of this strategy, focusing on high-growth sectors, including digital health, medtech, and pharmaceutical innovation.
The Belfast Region City Deal, a key milestone for Belfast and a catalyst for a step change in its digital and innovation capabilities, is set to deliver a programme with an overall value of well over £1bn. This initiative will strengthen the LHS sector, driving investment in research and development and helping to embed a culture of innovation.
The Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology (CDHT) has a total project cost of more than £40m that will accelerate a dynamic and productive open innovation ecosystem for developing innovative medical technology devices and diagnostics. It will support all users in successfully ideating, prototyping, developing, testing, and validating new ideas within a unique rapid feedback clinical setting.
iREACH Health, the Institute of Research Excellence for Advanced Clinical Healthcare, has a total project cost of more than £45m to facilitate the improvement of people's health. This facility will provide an environment in which Northern Ireland's ability to test new drugs, medical technology, care pathways, and societal interventions will be transformed.
Similarly, the Derry and Strabane City Deal, valued at £250m, drives LHS through bespoke packages and innovation projects, such as the School of Medicine, addressing the ongoing medical workforce shortage and helping to future-proof the health services. The Personalised Medicine Centre is building on the world-class expertise in personalised medicine and developing a new healthcare community.
The Cognitive Analytics Research Laboratory (CARL) is a cutting-edge research centre that helps NI businesses become world-leading in AI. The Centre for Industrial Digitalisation, Robotics and Automation (CIDRA) supports the industry in embracing the unprecedented opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and more.
The Future of African Healthcare
As Africa’s healthcare sector is evolving, Northern Ireland’s LHS sector is committed to providing the innovative solutions required to meet these challenges.
By partnering with Northern Ireland, African nations can gain access to world-leading technologies in diagnostics, medical devices, and digital health. These collaborations can play a critical role in improving healthcare delivery across the continent, enhancing patient outcomes, and reducing the burden on already strained healthcare systems.