Revolutionizing Primary Healthcare in Africa: Empowering Youth through the Heckling Model of Health Systems Engineering and Innovation

Abstract

This paper hypothesizes the Health Entrepreneurship Compensation of Knowledge and Innovations among the Next Generation (HECKLING) model, which aims to kickstart a dialogue and delve into research in utilizing the skills, innovation, and vast youth population in Africa to generate employment opportunities in complementing community health promoters/volunteers. By harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence, the model seeks to enhance health outcomes within communities. The model proposes integrating health systems engineering concepts into the virtual healthcare hubs and virtual digital tray centers aligning with the principles of primary health care, preventive medicine, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. It acknowledges operational efficiency, and ensures the long-term sustainability of community health initiatives which have potential to consummately compensate community health volunteers. By applying the concept of carbon credits to preventive and health promotion efforts, it is hoped that the model could create new opportunities to incentivize and reward individuals and organizations for their contributions to improving public health, reducing healthcare costs and promoting community development. Integrating health systems engineering concepts into the virtual healthcare hubs and virtual digital tray centers aligns with the principles of primary health care, preventive medicine, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.