Access Afya, a healthcare operating system for emerging economies, has secured significant investment from Philips Foundation and UBS Optimus Foundation. The exact investment amount was not been disclosed, but it is noteworthy that both these organizations have recognized the unique value proposition offered by Access Afya.
The primary intent of this investment is to support Access Afya’s mission of addressing healthcare challenges in emerging economies. Access Afya has developed an innovative approach to providing affordable, quality healthcare that caters to the specific needs of low-income communities. The investment is aimed at helping Access Afya expand its reach and impact, allowing more people to access essential healthcare services. It is also an endorsement of Access Afya’s community-centric, technology-driven model, which is seen as a scalable solution to address healthcare disparities.
The partnership between Philips Foundation and UBS Optimus Foundation highlights the recognition of the importance of localized, community-based solutions for healthcare challenges. The investment is part of Philips Foundation’s broader effort to showcase and support social entrepreneurs who are making a difference in healthcare access. The foundation seeks to spotlight the unique approaches of these entrepreneurs, inspire others to join the mission, and overcome global healthcare disparities with innovative solutions.
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Why the Investors Invested
Philips Foundation and UBS Optimus Foundation invested in Access Afya for several compelling reasons:
- Innovative Healthcare Solution: Access Afya offers an innovative and holistic healthcare solution for underserved communities. By combining walk-in clinics, a digital health app, and a strong data analytics component, they create a comprehensive healthcare system. This unique approach was a key attraction for the investors, as it addresses a crucial need in emerging economies.
- Community-Centric Approach: Access Afya’s commitment to understanding the specific needs of local communities and empowering local healthcare workers aligns with the investors’ vision of bridging healthcare disparities. This approach not only democratizes healthcare access but also nurtures a sense of ownership and responsibility among local practitioners, fostering sustainable change.
- Data-Driven Healthcare: The data analytics component of Access Afya’s model is seen by the investors as a valuable asset. The ability to capture patient data, recognize patterns, and adapt healthcare strategies accordingly is crucial for improving the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services in underserved areas.
- Scalability: Access Afya’s model is scalable and can be adapted to meet the unique needs and challenges of different regions and communities. This scalability aligns with the broader goal of addressing universal healthcare challenges through localized, tailored solutions.
- Philanthropic Values: Both Philips Foundation and UBS Optimus Foundation share a commitment to overcoming global disparities in healthcare services. They see Access Afya as a partner that embodies these values by combining local innovation with technology to create inclusive, healthy futures.
A Look at Access Afya
Access Afya was founded by Melissa Menke in 2012. The organization is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and primarily serves the healthcare needs of communities in Nairobi County. Its name, “Access Afya,” translates to ‘access health’ in Swahili, reflecting its mission of providing accessible healthcare.
Access Afya operates as a healthcare operating system tailored for emerging economies. The organization’s primary focus is on offering affordable, quality healthcare to underserved communities. Access Afya achieves this through a combination of walk-in clinics and a digital health app. The clinics offer a wide range of services, including family planning, lab tests, vaccinations, prenatal and postnatal care, routine check-ups, and emergency care. The mDaktari app enables virtual doctor consultations, health coaching, and access to healthcare information, all at an affordable cost.
Access Afya stands out due to its unique “clinic in a box” concept, providing ready-made healthcare facilities that are locally relevant. The organization empowers local healthcare workers to set up and operate these clinics, ensuring healthcare services are delivered by professionals with an intimate understanding of the community’s needs.
Access Afya’s approach fosters a culture of health consciousness within the community, enhancing overall well-being and the quality of life for individuals in low-income areas.
Access Afya collects patient data and leverages data analytics to refine its healthcare strategies, making healthcare services more effective and responsive to community needs.
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Access Afya’s model is designed to be adaptable, providing a blueprint for healthcare solutions tailored to specific local contexts. This approach reflects the organization’s commitment to addressing universal healthcare challenges with localized, community-based solutions.
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert.
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the con