12 Innovative Health Tech Startups Improving Healthcare Access in East Africa

Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right for every individual. However, many regions, particularly in East Africa, face significant challenges in delivering adequate healthcare services to their populations.

Fortunately, a wave of innovation is sweeping across the region, with several health tech startups leveraging technology to bridge the gap and improve healthcare access.?

Here, we’ve identified 12 innovative health tech startups that are transforming the healthcare landscape in East Africa and making a positive impact on the lives of millions.

Mydawa

Year Founded: 2017

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Mydawa is a telemedicine company dedicated to delivering quality, affordable healthcare products and services for Africans.

Mydawa operates an online platform that serves as a marketplace connecting pharmacies, patients, and healthcare providers.?It utilizes technology to provide convenient and efficient access to authentic medication and healthcare products for consumers.?

Zuri Health

Year Founded: 2020

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Zuri Health is a telehealth company committed to expanding healthcare accessibility in Africa. The company offers convenient and comprehensive healthcare services to Africans via its mobile app. Users can chat and consult with doctors, buy medications, book diagnostic tests, and secure an in-person appointment with a doctor all on the platform.?

MedSource

Year Founded: 2017

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Medsource is a healthcare financier and medical services enabler redefining healthcare access in Africa. It operates a Med-Fin-Tech business model tailored to help users get the medical products they need easily.

MedSource aims to serve individuals across all levels of the healthcare products value chain. The company operates a digital marketplace designed to connect healthcare product distributors and manufacturers in East Africa.?

Ilara Health

Year Founded: 2019

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Ilara Health is a leading medical product and solutions provider that equips medical professionals with the tools to provide adequate care for their patients. The company develops innovative tech solutions and devices to support healthcare providers in rural clinics across East Africa.

Ilara Health offers medical services providers AI-powered diagnostic devices to help improve their processes and results. It focuses primarily on peri-urban and rural centers where the availability of common diagnostic devices is very poor.?

Goodlife Pharmacy

Year Founded: 2013

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Goodlife Pharmacy is a telemedicine company improving healthcare access and delivery in East Africa. It operates as a digital storefront where users can easily procure pharmaceuticals and have them delivered to their doorsteps anywhere in Kenya and many parts of East Africa.

Eden Care Medical

Year Founded: 2021

Location, Kigali, Rwanda

Eden Care Medical is a health insurer leveraging digital technology to bridge gaps in the African health insurance market. The company provides solutions to address the experiential issues and challenges individuals face while navigating health insurance systems in Africa. To achieve that, the company operates a digital platform where users can access a number of insurance products. ?

Tibu Health

Year Founded: 2018

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Tibu Health is a pioneering healthcare startup dedicated to improving access to quality medical care in Africa. The company combines healthcare with omnichannel logistics to provide consumers with high-quality medical services in real-time wherever they are. Tibu’s solution is channeled towards eliminating lengthy waiting times, long queues, and other inefficiencies that cause delays in health service provisions in the African healthcare system.?

Medikea

Year Founded: 2020

Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Medikea is an innovative healthcare setup implementing technological solutions to transform medical care administration in Africa. It provides a holistic healthcare ecosystem allowing consumers to tailor the services to their specific needs.

The company operates a virtual subscription-based telemedicine business model that also includes provisions for in-person care. It facilitates its services through its website, an intuitive mobile application, and a network of asset-light clinics.

Babylon Health Rwanda

Year Founded: 2016

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Babylon Health Rwanda is a telemedicine company focused on transforming healthcare access and delivery in different parts of Africa. The startup combines innovative technology with the experience and knowledge of experts to improve medical services distribution.?

Locally known as Babyl, the company enables locals to receive medical consultations via their mobile devices. The company has created solutions to circumnavigate the challenge of low smartphone penetration in Rwanda which makes it difficult for a large percentage of the population to access telehealth services. Its solution enables users to access digital health services without using smart devices.

Wazi

Year Founded: 2018

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Wazi is a digital mental health service dedicated to transforming the way individuals access and experience high-quality mental healthcare. The company connects patients with virtual therapy services and professionals.

Wazi operates a digital platform where patients can experience therapy sessions with professional therapists virtually from anywhere in the world. The platform allows users to keep anonymity if they wish. As such, users can maintain their privacy while undergoing therapy,

Lifesten Health

Year Founded: 2021

Location: Kigali Rwanda

Lifesten Health is a health tracking and management company committed to helping Africans lead healthy lifestyles. It offers incentivized wellness programs designed to help users to hit their health goals in an exciting and rewarding manner.

Lifesten Health is focused on empowering users to take control of their health, diet, and lifestyle. They design exciting wellness programs, challenges, and healthy living tips to push users to hit their health targets. The company takes a holistic approach to health, covering everything from physical fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness to mental health considerations.

Turaco

Year Founded: 2019

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Turaco is a digital micro-health insurance provider creating inclusive underwriting solutions for Africans. It provides affordable health insurance products for low-income earners who have been largely underserved by traditional insurers.

Turaco operates a digital platform where users can sign up for micro health insurance with low premiums. The platform offers streamlined access to several financial products designed to indemnify low-income earners against health risks.

Introducing Ecosystem Matching ???????

Connect, collaborate, and catalyze growth with AU-Startups Ecosystem Matching. Join us today by registering your interest in the area that aligns with your goals:

Investor Matching: Are you an angel investor, venture capitalist, or institutional investor, we scout and introduce you to startups that match your investment thesis. Register your interest to connect with high-potential startups and be part of Africa's growth story. Register Interest

Startup Matching: Are you seeking funding, guidance, or strategic partnerships for your startup? Get matched with Advisors, Talents, Investors and other crucial startup resources and opportunities. ?Register Interest

Talent Matching: Are you in need of skilled and vetted tech and startup talents to propel your business forward?, Register your interest to tap into Africa's top tech and non-tech talents on-demand. Register Interest

Job Matching: Find your dream job in the thriving African startup ecosystem get matched with exciting opportunities. Register your interest to discover your next? job opportunities. Register Interest.

Find more watchlists and information about interesting information about African Startups on AU-Startups