Villgro Kenya has added Ugandan based innovations MamaOpe and Clinic Pesa to its portfolio following funding approval by the Villgro Kenya Investment Committee. The funding and incubation support will help these companies to grow their businesses and achieve their goals of increasing access to healthcare for the poor.
MamaOpe is a biomedical smart jacket for screening and continuous monitoring of pneumonia patients. The jacket measures the primary symptoms of pneumonia to aid non-physician clinicians in correctly diagnosing pneumonia.
The Mama Ope team led by Olivia Koburongo seeks to address pneumonia misdiagnosis which is a major reason why the disease claims millions of lives every year. The jacket is aimed at providing diagnostic support for doctors, nurses and community health workers in low resource settings with a high pneumonia burden.
According to Villgro Kenya CEO Dr. Robert Karanja, ‘’ Pneumonia is the number 1 killer of children under 5 years of age globally. Over half a million deaths each year can be easily prevented by early diagnosis and treatment. As Villgro Kenya, we remain committed to investing in inventors that are developing life saving medical technologies designed to strengthen health systems in Africa. ‘’
ClinicPesa is a digital micro-savings and loans platform that provides users with convenient and affordable means to accessing healthcare. ClinicPesa allows users to access their saving and loans for use at registered health services providers therefore reducing out-of-pocket spending for medical bills and purchases of drugs.
The product, a brainchild of Crispinus Onyancha will benefit low income families who are usually pushed further into poverty whenever there is a medical emergency. Through the platform clients will be sure to get access to quality and affordable healthcare without going into debt or selling their property.
Villgro Kenya COO Paul Belknap says that ‘’ Financial constraints are one of the biggest reasons that people avoid going to the doctor or getting the medication they need. ClinicPesa’s unique approach makes saving for healthcare as simple as possible, so people can access the healthcare they need. We’re excited to be working with ClinicPesa to bring this product to the market along with their other partners.’’
The two start-ups have the potential to advance Universal Health Coverage in Africa through their innovative health products Villgro Kenya will offer financial support, high-touch mentorship through a structured programme, access to networks of healthcare and product development experts, and connections to investors and strategic partners.
