Innovations in Healthcare // 10 African Led Startups Making Quality Care Accessible to All

Innovations in Healthcare // 10 African-Led Startups Making Quality Care Accessible to All

In recent years, African entrepreneurs have been at the forefront of harnessing technology and innovation to address the challenges of healthcare access across the continent. 

From telemedicine platforms to mobile health applications, these African-led startups are revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered, making quality care more accessible to all, particularly in underserved and remote areas. 

By leveraging the power of technology, these innovations in healthcare are breaking down barriers, improving healthcare outcomes, and transforming the lives of millions. 

In this article, we will explore 10 African-led innovations in healthcare that are making significant strides in the healthcare sector, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare landscape throughout Africa.

mPharma (Ghana): mPharma is a healthcare technology company that operates in several African countries. They provide a software platform that connects patients, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical companies, enabling patients to access quality medications at affordable prices.

Kangpe (Nigeria): Kangpe is a telemedicine platform that allows users to consult with doctors via phone calls, SMS, or a mobile app. It provides accessible and affordable healthcare services, especially to individuals in remote areas who may have limited access to healthcare facilities.

LifeBank (Nigeria): LifeBank is a medical distribution company that uses technology to deliver essential medical products like blood, oxygen, and vaccines to hospitals and clinics in Nigeria. Their platform helps healthcare providers access critical supplies promptly, improving patient care and saving lives.

Hello Doctor (South Africa): Hello Doctor is a mobile health platform that offers telemedicine services, health advice, and access to medical professionals via text or video consultations. They aim to provide affordable and convenient healthcare services to individuals across South Africa.

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Flutterwave (Nigeria): As much as Flutterwave is a financial technology company, the app fits in this list because over the years they have partnered with healthcare providers to offer innovative payment solutions for healthcare services. Their platform allows patients to pay for medical expenses, including consultations, treatments, and medications, using various payment methods.

ConnectMed (Kenya): ConnectMed is a telehealth platform that connects patients with certified doctors through video consultations. They provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to individuals in Kenya, enabling them to receive medical advice, prescriptions, and referrals without physically visiting a clinic.

GiftedMom (Cameroon): GiftedMom is a mobile health platform that focuses on maternal and child healthcare. They use SMS and mobile app technologies to provide pregnant women and new mothers with vital health information, appointment reminders, and access to medical professionals.

Ilara Health (Kenya): Ilara Health is a healthcare technology company that equips clinics in underserved areas with affordable diagnostic equipment. Their platform enables healthcare providers to offer accurate and timely diagnoses, improving access to quality care in remote regions.

hearX Group (South Africa): hearX Group develops innovative smartphone-based hearing solutions. Their products allow individuals to test their hearing, receive diagnostics, and access affordable hearing aids, addressing hearing health challenges across Africa.

Zipline (Rwanda and Ghana): Zipline is a drone delivery company that focuses on medical supplies. They use autonomous drones to deliver blood, vaccines, and essential medications to remote areas quickly. By bypassing infrastructure challenges, Zipline improves access to critical healthcare resources.

Bonus points: 

AfyaRekod: is a digital health platform that allows individuals to store their health information, engage with doctors, interact with verified health information, and access tools that will support their well-being and enhance their health so they can enjoy rich, fulfilling lives.

Afya Rekod prompts patients to become more engaged in their health and take positive action to improve it, through daily record keeping of their health status and engagement with doctors, health experts, and other health service providers.

Kasha: Kasha sells and delivers pharmaceutical products, household goods, and consumer health products discretely to low-income consumers, resellers, pharmacies, and health facilities in East Africa.

Kasha provides a broad integrated basket of products that supports health across life stages, from new-born child health, maternal health, menstrual hygiene, family planning, sexual & reproductive health, non-communicable diseases (e.g. hypertension & diabetes), as well as HIV/AIDS prevention & treatment, among others. 

The company who are our members at Nairobi Garage // Spring Valley secured funding in 2021 from Mastercard to scale its impact

These startups are just a few examples of the many African-led initiatives driving innovation in healthcare and working towards making quality care more accessible to all.