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, aiding Kenya’s HIV/AIDS fight.
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 could broaden PrEP’s reach.
Through relationships with healthcare practitioners and suppliers, MYDAWA enables users to obtain authentic high-quality medicines, health and wellness goods in a convenient manner. Over 80,000 people have joined up to utilize it.
This is in keeping with the Gates Foundation’s mission of accelerating the global reduction of HIV infection and saving lives through enhanced HIV prevention and treatment strategies. The foundation has given more than $3 billion in HIV funding to organizations all across the world to date.
MYDAWA CEO Tony Wood stated, “MYDAWA will adapt its present approach to offer a seamless end-to-end customer-centered delivery solution for anyone needing PrEP across the country.”
“Specifically, this investment will increase PrEP delivery online by leveraging MYDAWA’s well-established business.” We will build this model in collaboration with the University of Washington, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Jhpiego, and Audere, and evaluate its practicality, acceptability, and effectiveness in extending PrEP’s reach. We’ll also gather the data and lessons gained needed to support policy changes and donor commitment to this method.”
MYDAWA had previously received US$3 million from the Africa HealthCare Master Fund to help speed up a projected countrywide expansion.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s grant of US$1.2 million will help to increase access to this system.
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