Kenyan e-pharmacy, MyDawa, has received KSh 145 million from Bill Gates’ Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
On Monday, October 24, the company said the money will be used to come up with a digital health solution which will aid in reducing the rate of HIV cases in the country.
The telehealth solution which will be the country’s first ever seeks to allow individuals access PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) services easily.
The new technology was approved by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
“MYDAWA will adapt its current model that ensures a seamless end to end customer-centered delivery solution for those seeking PrEP across the country
“Specifically, this investment will leverage on MYDAWA’s well-established model to expand PrEP delivery online,” said the company’s CEO Tony Wood.
The funds were given to the e-pharmacy company in conjunction with the University of Washington, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Fred Hutch Cancer Research Centre, Jhpiego and Audere.
In May 2019, the company received a KSh 300 million funding for its countrywide expansion.
The cash from Africa HealthCare Master Fund is the first round of external financing that the company has received since it began operations in 2017.
“I am delighted to add the Africa HealthCare Master Fund to the team, which brings expertise and international reach as well as funds,” said Neil O’Leary, MyDawa founder and chairman.
Founded in 2017, MYDAWA enables consumers to conveniently purchase authentic high-quality medicines, health and wellness products through partnerships with healthcare practitioners and suppliers.
It has signed up over 80,000 registered users.
The company was established by Irish private equity firm ION Equity with an initial capital of KSh 500 million as an online medicine distribution platform in Kenya.
The platform has also partnered with a number of insurance companies to ensure that medical policyholders also benefit from the solution.
The medicines are delivered free by qualified professionals who give directions to patients on proper dosage and usage.
