Kenyan e-pharmacy startup MYDAWA has bagged a grant of $1.2million from the Bill and Gates Foundation. It is aimed at utilizing its pharmacy model to increase Pre-Exposure Prohylaxis services to support the fight against HIV/AIDS in Kenya.
The stigma associated with HIV and the onboarding system has limited the reach of PrEP so the startup’s virtual and convenient PrEP can utilize the grant from the Bill and Gates Foundation to expand this reach and facilitate access to the system.
The Gates Foundation has committed over $3 billion to organizations around the world in order to accelerate the decline of HIV infection worldwide through improved interventions to prevent new infections and also save lives using simplified HIV treatment.
The CEO at MYDAWA, Tony Woods said: “For those seeking PrEP across the country, MYDAWA will upgrade its current model to ensure a seamless end-to-end customer-centred delivery solution.”
He also added that the investment will specifically leverage on MYDAWA’s well established model to broaden PrEP online delivery.
Together with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Washington, Jhpiego and Audere, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, we will develop this model, assess its acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness in expanding the reach of PrEP, while also generating necessary evidence and lessons learned for policy change and further facilitate commitment towards this approach.
Founded in 2021, MYDAWA enables consumers purchase authentic high-quality medicines conveniently. It also facilitates partnerships between healthcare practitioners and suppliers ensuring seamless purchase of health and wellness products.
MYDAWA has signed up over 80,000 registered users and previously secured US$3 million in funding from the Africa HealthCare Master Fund geared towards a countrywide expansion.
MYDAWA ensures quality by making sure that the medicine reaching a patient is effective, safe, and of standard quality. From product selection, product certification, selection of appropriate suppliers, vendor contract specifications and the transport, storage, dispensing, and use of medicines, MYDAWA has a system in place that assures quality.
Don’t miss important articles during the week. Subscribe to techbuild weekly digest for updates
