Celebrating Progress and Shaping the Future of Women's Health in Africa

The power of women supporting each other has always been profound. Mia Farrow once said,

"Women in Africa... generally, a lot needs to be done for women. Women are not being educated."

However, the challenges women face go far beyond education. Their health and access to supportive environments play an equally critical role in shaping their futures.

Over the years, countless initiatives have worked to amplify women’s voices and celebrate their achievements. At DébboAfrica, we believe that a woman’s health is the foundation of her success. That’s why we’re committed to empowering women across Africa to prioritize their health, expand their knowledge, and make informed decisions within a nurturing community of women helping women.

Since inception, DébboAfrica has held impactful seminars and events, bringing together women from diverse backgrounds and equipping them with the tools they need to take control of their well-being. Our digital community has become a safe space where women can connect, learn, and grow together. These achievements and many others are milestones in our ongoing mission to build a future where every woman can thrive.

This year, our most impactful achievement was Wellness Morning; an event for women to nurture their mind, body and soul.

We got featured on BellaNaija and The Guardian, screened over 500 women for breast and cervical cancer, our founders were recognized as one of the The 2024 PowerWoman100 redefining leadership and achieving exceptional success.

As we look ahead to 2025, we are inspired to explore new ways to improve the health of millions of African women through the power of technology and collaboration. Alongside governments, NGOs, and private enterprises, we remain focused on tackling the unique health challenges faced by African women. Because when women thrive, their communities and countries also thrive.

Collaboration is the New Innovation

One of the most significant drivers of progress in 2024 was the rise of collaborative efforts to improve women’s health. Public and private stakeholders joined forces to address critical issues like maternal mortality, gender-based violence, and reproductive health.

A standout initiative was the Cervical and Breast Cancer Coalition, launched by the Global Alliance for Women’s Health in partnership with Kenya’s Ministry of Health. Sub-Saharan Africa carries the world’s highest burden of cervical cancer, and many women diagnosed with breast cancer face survival rates of less than five years.

The coalition aims to improve cancer control by providing health ministers with the resources and tools needed to create sustainable solutions. Their work has the potential to extend across the continent, creating a much-needed shift in how these diseases are addressed.

Another pivotal moment was the 2024 African Women’s Health Summit. Leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa gather to set an ambitious goal: increasing access to quality healthcare for women by 25% within the next decade. This collaborative vision underscores the importance of partnerships in closing the women’s health gap.

Non-profit organizations also stepped up. Jacaranda Health in Kenya teamed up with eHealth Africa in Nigeria to launch PROMPTS, an AI-powered, SMS-based digital health tool for pregnant women. By tailoring the platform to local cultures and languages, the initiative ensures that Nigerian mothers receive practical advice and support, demonstrating the power of context-specific solutions.

Femtech is the Future– and the Future is Now.

The FemTech sector focused on health technologies for women which has gained momentum across Africa. With the market expected to grow from $28 billion in 2023 to $50 billion by 2025, innovations are breaking barriers and empowering women to take control of their health.

This year, Impact Ventures by Johnson & Johnson Foundation partnered with Villgro Africa to launch an incubation program for women-led healthcare startups. Thirty-one companies, many addressing women’s health challenges, received funding, mentorship, and training to scale their initiatives. This is a critical step toward addressing the glaring gap in funding for women entrepreneurs, who receive less than 10% of global healthcare innovation investments.

Startups like DébboAfrica and Uteroo are leading the way in Africa, offering digital tools for menstrual health tracking and accessible telemedicine platforms. These solutions are transforming healthcare access for women across the continent.

Technological innovations are also changing the game in other ways. AI-powered ultrasound devices, for example, are helping healthcare workers in remote areas manage complex cases like preterm labor and fetal malpresentation. By providing portable, affordable, and easy-to-use tools, these technologies are expanding access to critical healthcare services.

As FemTech continues to grow, it has the potential to reshape women’s health in Africa, offering scalable solutions that make a lasting impact.

From Policy to Real-World Impact

The focus in 2024 has shifted from policy changes to tangible commitments aimed at improving women’s health across Africa. From increased funding to actionable strategies, the groundwork is set for lasting change. As we step into 2025, we are filled with optimism and determination, ready to build on the strides we have made. This year promises even greater progress as we roll out impactful initiatives designed to transform the lives of African women.

DébboAfrica remains steadfast in our commitment to this vision, championing innovation and fostering collaboration to ensure that women’s health stays at the forefront of our collective efforts. Together, we will continue to empower and uplift women across the continent, creating a healthier and brighter future for all. Join us!

Written by Temiloluwa O. Aisha Olanrewaju Mustaqeemah Oni Zara Isa Modibbo