Field Intelligence, a prominent African Healthtech startup, has secured an $11 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This funding will support an innovative project focused on improving maternal mortality rates, newborn care, and child nutrition across the continent. The financial backing highlights the urgent need to strengthen healthcare systems in Africa, where maternal mortality continues to be a major public health concern.
This investment aligns with the foundation’s long-standing commitment to supporting maternal and child health programs in developing countries.The Gates Foundation has a history of investing in maternal and child health initiatives, having previously committed $1.5 billion over five years to support maternal and child health, family planning, and nutrition programs in developing countries. The foundation’s focus on maternal health is part of its broader efforts to address global health challenges, including reducing maternal and child mortality rates.
The new initiative will leverage Field’s proprietary technology platform and its extensive network of over 40,000 private and public healthcare providers across both rural and urban areas in Kenya and Nigeria. By enhancing the delivery of innovative therapies and optimizing the distribution and financing of essential medical supplies, this initiative will directly address the root causes of maternal and child deaths, making healthcare more accessible and efficient. Maternal mortality rates in Africa remain alarmingly high.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 69% of global maternal deaths occur in Africa, with Nigeria accounting for 29% of these deaths in 2020. Women in Africa are 45 times more likely to die during childbirth than those in Europe.
About the company – Field Intelligence
Field intelligence is using technology to improve the logistics needs and overall supply chain of pharmacies in Africa. Pharmacies play a vital role in the healthcare system across Nigeria and Africa. Due to limited access to hospitals and clinics, pharmacies often serve as the first point of contact for healthcare for Africans.
Since its launch in 2015, Field’s efficient infrastructure has enabled over 800 million health interventions across more than 60 therapeutic areas, including family planning, HIV, and Tuberculosis. Initially operating in Kenya and Nigeria, the company has plans to extend its reach to other regions.
Speaking on the significance of this initiative, Michael Moreland, CEO & Founder of Field, says, “This is public health powered by technology and today’s news recognises the products and services that Field has built over the past eight years scaled and integrated into large-scale public health programs; this is what we believe health technology companies should be doing; joining innovative, impactful coalitions between private and public entities”.
“Digitally powering, networking, and financing health systems at scale will have an overwhelmingly positive effect on access to quality care. With funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation we are set to rapidly improve mother and child survival in every setting .’’
Moreland also acknowledged the tough economic climate and the challenges facing the healthcare sector but remained optimistic. “ Our role is to ensure that the progress we’ve made doesn’t slip. The problems facing healthcare in Africa will not be solved on their own, and that’s where Field and our funders come in.”
Alongside its maternal and child health initiative, Field is broadening its influence across Africa. Through Field Supply, the company has developed the continent’s largest pharmaceutical supply chain platform “Shelf Life”, delivering over 3,000 high-quality products across 24 cities in Nigeria and Kenya. This expansive network caters to a wide range of clients, including major hospital systems, government facilities, and small family-owned pharmacies.
Additionally, the platform provides trade financing to support healthcare providers in acquiring new medical technologies, helping to overcome working capital challenges that often restrict access to vital therapies and equipment.
