Health Innovation Lab

Health systems in low-resource settings struggle to deliver quality care because innovations are rarely designed, tested, or adapted for their realities—leaving critical gaps in service delivery and patient outcomes. At CPHD, we focus on health innovation that is not only cutting-edge, but also context-driven—designed to work in the environments where needs are greatest.

We’ve supported the design of a portable, low-power incubator tailored for newborn care in facilities with frequent power outages. By significantly reducing energy consumption, this incubator ensures thermal stability for vulnerable newborns even in off-grid or power-unstable settings.

To address oxygen supply limitations, we conducted field testing for medium-pressure reservoirs to enable safe oxygen storage and delivery at primary care levels, where bulk systems are not viable. In tandem, we piloted a power monitoring system that sends real-time alerts to biomedical engineers during outages and provides a monthly dashboard of power usage—critical for maintaining functionality of lifesaving equipment.

Recognizing the importance of user-centered design, we collaborated with global partners to develop human-centered design guidelines for oxygen concentrators, ensuring that future devices are more intuitive, maintainable, and responsive to frontline provider needs.

We also conducted an asset tracking study to geolocate critical medical devices and monitor their utilization—helping health managers plan better maintenance, reduce downtime, and increase device availability where it matters most.

By championing innovations that fit local realities, CPHD is bridging the gap between technology and impact—bringing effective, reliable solutions to the last mile of care.