$1.2 M Gates Foundation led grant funding secured by Kenyan e-pharmacy startup MYDAWA
MYDAWA, a Kenyan e-health business, has received a US $1.2 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to expand access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) treatments through its e-pharmacy approach, therefore aiding Kenya’s HIV/AIDS fight.
Through relationships with healthcare practitioners and suppliers, MYDAWA enables users to obtain authentic high-quality medications, health and wellness goods in a simple manner. Over 80,000 people have joined up to utilise it.
Because of the stigma associated with HIV and the public nature of the existing onboarding approach, the startup’s virtual, discreet, and convenient PrEP service delivery might broaden PrEP’s reach. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has given a $1.2 million grant to assist increase access to this technology.
This aligns with the Gates Foundation’s mission of accelerating the global reduction of HIV infection and saving lives through improving HIV prevention and treatment. The foundation has given out more than $3 billion in HIV grants to organisations all across the world so far.
“MYDAWA will adapt its current model that ensures a seamless end to end customer centred delivery solution for those seeking PrEP across the country,” said MYDAWA chief executive officer (CEO) Tony Wood.
“Specifically, this investment will leverage on MYDAWA’s well-established model to expand PrEP delivery online. Together with the University of Washington, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Jhpiego and Audere, we will develop this model, assess its feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness in expanding the reach of PrEP. We will also generate necessary evidence and lessons learned to support policy change and further donor commitment towards this approach.”
MYDAWA had previously received US $3 million from the Africa HealthCare Master Fund to help speed up a projected nationwide expansion.
