Cameroon - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The project aims to address the inclusion of disabled persons and reintegrate disabled medical personnel in the health sector, focusing on providing comprehensive training, ensuring equal access to employment and promoting sustainable development.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The project addresses the lack of representation and inclusiveness of disabled individuals in the medical field and the broader economy. It recognizes the importance of diversity and the unique perspectives disabled individuals can bring to these sectors. It also seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable environment, through training and empowerment, accessibility and accommodation, awareness and sensitization, collaboration and partnerships, research and innovations. Monetizing this project will require; 1. Providing comprehensive training and empowerment programs, skill development, and mentorship opportunities, and advocating for an inclusive school for all. 2. Collaborate with technology companies to develop adaptive technologies and assistive devices for disabled medical personnel. 3. Partner with healthcare companies and organizations to sponsor and support advocacy and awareness campaigns. 4. Provide consultancy services to medical facilities and organizations.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

1. Workforce Development: - Training and job placement assistance to disabled medical persons in the health workforce. - Workshops and mentorship programs to support disabled healthcare workers in developing necessary skills and confidence. 2. Infrastructure Improvements: - Assessing and upgrading the physical accessibility of healthcare facilities and schools, including ramps, wide doorways, etc. - Procuring assistive technological equipment to enable disabled staff to fully participate. - Developing guidelines and standards for disability-inclusive design in the health sector. 3. Policy and Advocacy: - Raising awareness among healthcare leaders and the general public about the rights and capabilities of persons with disabilities. - Partnering with disabled persons organisations in program design and implementation.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Increased Workforce Participation and Productivity - Tapping into a talented, underutilized labour pool can expand the healthcare workforce and fill critical staffing gaps. - Improved retention and reduced turnover among disabled workers can generate significant cost savings. Expanded Patient Base and Revenue - Making healthcare facilities and services more accessible and inclusive attracts a larger patient population, including the sizable disabled community. - Improved patient satisfaction and loyalty among disabled individuals can drive increased utilization and revenue. Cost Savings from Reduced Discrimination Liability - Proactively addressing accessibility barriers and fostering inclusive cultures can help avoid expensive legal battles and settlements. Operational Efficiency and Innovation - Investing in assistive technologies and adaptive equipment benefits all employees, not just those with disabilities.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

This is said to benefit a wide range of individuals who are differently abled, taking into account their skills and the related services they can provide based on their limitations: 1. Individuals with Mild to Moderate Physical Disabilities: - Those with good mobility and agility who can perform most healthcare roles and tasks with minimal accommodations 2. Individuals with Severe Physical Disabilities: - Those with significant mobility or dexterity challenges, potentially requiring assistive devices or technology 3. Individuals with Sensory Disabilities: - Those who are blind, have low vision or are deaf/hard of hearing 4. Individuals with Intellectual or developmental disabilities: - Those with mild to moderate cognitive impairments The key is to focus on each person's unique strengths, accommodate their needs, and foster an inclusive culture that empowers them to thrive in the healthcare setting.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-10-31

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Mr Edmond BETANGACHUA NGALIA MA Peace Conflict and Security Management 3 years of work experience with INTERSOS international humanitarian organisation - Trained and experienced in emergency relief actions and activities, field mission/program planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, data collection of security incidents, reporting and communicating to competent recipience. Miss Chia Eleanor Njang BSc in Nursing 1-year working experience at Bota Hospital Limbe Cameroon 5 years of work experience as a sales assistant at Fako Atlantic Pharmacy

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

-

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

f) Healthcare (healthcare equipment and services)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Training and empowering persons with disabilities in the healthcare sector can contribute significantly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of "No Poverty" (SDG 1) by; 1. Increasing access to sustainable livelihoods, lifting people from poverty through stable, well-paying careers. 2. Reducing the disproportionately high rates of poverty experienced by the disabled community, who often face unemployment and underemployment. 3. Improving financial security and independence, reducing reliance on social assistance and empowering self-sufficiency. 4. Enhancing social inclusion and overall well-being, enclosed to an individual's economic status. 5. Generating a multiplier effect on local economies through increased workforce participation and tax revenues.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

No direct relationship

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

1. Increased Access to Quality Healthcare: - Employing more disabled individuals can improve the accessibility and responsiveness of healthcare services. 2. Improved Health Outcomes for Persons with Disabilities: - Greater representation of disabled workers can foster a more inclusive and empathetic healthcare environment. 3. Enhanced Well-Being and Quality of Life: - Meaningful employment positively impacts the mental health and overall well-being of persons with disabilities. 4. Promotion of Inclusive and Equitable Healthcare Systems: - This project can inspire other organizations to prioritize the recruitment and advancement of disabled healthcare workers.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

1. Accessible and Inclusive Educational Pathways: - Advocating for inclusive schools for all with a friendly environment to accommodate the needs of the disabled - Advocating for accessible healthcare education programs and curricula for students with disabilities. 2. Mentorship and Skills Development: - Disabled healthcare workers stand as mentors, inspiring and guiding students with disabilities. 3. Capacity Building for Educators: - Providing training to enhance educators' skills in supporting and accommodating students with diverse abilities. 4. Collaboration with Educational Institutions: - Partnering to co-create inclusive learning opportunities and responsive career services.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

No direct relationship

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

No direct relationship

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

No direct relationship

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

1. Increased Employment Opportunities: - Creating more job opportunities and pathways to decent work for persons with disabilities in healthcare. 2. Skill Development and Capacity Building: - Providing training and mentorship to enhance the employability and productivity of persons with disabilities. 3. Inclusive Workplace Practices: - Advocating for and supporting accessible and accommodating work environments in healthcare organizations. 4. Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment: - Exploring opportunities for persons with disabilities to start their own healthcare-related businesses. 5. Addressing Wage Gaps and Discrimination: - Promoting equity and combating employment discrimination faced by persons with disabilities.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

1. Assistive Technologies: - Driving the development and integration of innovative assistive technologies in healthcare. 2. Accessibility and Universal Design: - Advocating for accessibility standards and universal design in healthcare infrastructure and facilities.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

1. Inclusive Schools: - Ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to quality, inclusive education, which can prepare them for employment in the healthcare sector and other industries. 2. Employment Equity: - Addressing employment gaps and promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of persons with disabilities in healthcare. 3. Workplace Inclusion: - Implementing inclusive policies, accommodations, and accessibility measures in healthcare organizations. 5. Challenging Stigma: - Awareness campaigns and advocacy to address societal prejudice and discrimination towards persons with disabilities. 6. Representation and Visibility: - Increasing the representation of persons with disabilities in the healthcare workforce. 7. Improved Healthcare Access: - Better inclusion in healthcare leads to improved access and health outcomes for the disability community. 8. Economic Empowerment: - Employment and skill development contributing to the economic empowerme

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

1. Accessible Healthcare and education: - Ensuring accessible healthcare facilities, equipment, and digital platforms for persons with disabilities, and an educationally friendly and inclusive public school environment for all 2. Inclusive Urban Planning: - Incorporating the needs of persons with disabilities in urban planning and development. 3. Disaster Preparedness: - Developing inclusive emergency response plans for persons with disabilities. 4. Accessible Transportation: - Promoting accessible and affordable transportation options for persons with disabilities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

No direct relationship

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

No direct relationship

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

No direct relstionship

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

No direct relationship

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

1. Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: - Fostering partnerships among healthcare organizations, disability groups, educational institutions, and government agencies to address barriers faced by persons with disabilities. 2. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: - Facilitating the exchange of best practices and innovative solutions to enhance the healthcare sector's responsiveness to the needs of persons with disabilities. 3. Inclusive Data and Monitoring: - Improving data collection and analysis on the participation and experiences of persons with disabilities in the healthcare workforce and access to services. 4. Technological Cooperation: - Promoting collaboration and technology transfers to ensure accessibility of medical equipment and assistive technologies.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

6

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

6

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

6

05.08 Justification

1. The multifaceted challenges faced by both disabled persons and disabled medical personnel, going beyond just employment to encompass broader integration and reintegration efforts. 2. Bringing together stakeholders from the healthcare, disability, and workforce development sectors, the project fosters innovative cross-sector partnerships and synergies. 3. Incorporates specialized assistive technologies and adaptive solutions to enable disabled individuals to thrive in healthcare roles, pushing the boundaries of accessibility. 4. the project invests in comprehensive training and skill development programs to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of disabled healthcare workers. 5. The project's focus on robust monitoring, evaluation, and communication sets it apart by providing evidence-based insights and maintaining accountability.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

1. Other non-profit/NGO disability inclusion programs 2. Government initiatives for disabled healthcare worker employment 3. Private healthcare providers with internal disability hiring programs 4. Academic institutions with relevant training programs 5. Disability advocacy groups

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

None