Field Intelligence, a prominent health tech company operating across Africa, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the critical issues of maternal mortality, newborn and child health, and nutrition on the continent. With an initial funding of $11 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this new route-to-market service is set to revolutionize the introduction of emerging therapies and technologies in Africa's healthcare landscape.

A New Era in Healthcare Delivery

Founded in 2015 by Michael Moreland, Field Intelligence has established itself as a key player in pharmaceutical supply chain management. The company's extensive network, which spans over 40,000 private and public healthcare providers in Kenya and Nigeria, is poised to benefit from this latest initiative. The service will leverage Field's proprietary technology, distribution capabilities, and financing solutions to accelerate the availability of new therapies and enhance healthcare delivery.

This initiative represents a significant step in Field's ongoing efforts to improve healthcare outcomes across Africa. Since its inception, Field has facilitated over 800 million health interventions across more than 60 therapeutic areas, including family planning, HIV, and tuberculosis. The new service will focus initially on Kenya and Nigeria, with plans for future expansion into other regions.

Addressing Africa's Maternal Mortality Crisis

Maternal mortality remains one of the most pressing health challenges in Africa. The continent's maternal mortality rate is 45 times higher than that of Europe, with Africa accounting for 69% of global maternal deaths. Nigeria alone represented 29% of these deaths in 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Field's new initiative aims to tackle this crisis by introducing emerging therapies such as heat-stable carbetocin and calibrated drapes, which are designed to detect and treat postpartum hemorrhage—the leading cause of maternal mortality in Africa.

In addition to addressing postpartum hemorrhage, the service will support established therapies and manage complications such as preeclampsia. The initiative will also enhance healthcare infrastructure through extensive digitization efforts for private healthcare providers, hospitals, and government bodies. Key components include last-mile delivery services, the installation of pharma-grade refrigerators, and financing options to bolster operational and purchasing capabilities.

A Coalition for Change

To ensure the success of this ambitious program, Field is forming a coalition that includes governments, manufacturers, and other stakeholders. This collaborative approach aims to integrate the new services into large-scale public health programs, ultimately improving maternal and child health outcomes across Africa.

Michael Moreland, CEO and Founder of Field emphasizes the significance of this initiative, stating, "This is public health powered by technology. Today’s announcement recognizes the scalable and integrated public health solutions that Field has developed over the past eight years. Our goal is to create impactful coalitions between private and public entities to drive meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery."

Continued Growth and Innovation

Beyond this new initiative, Field Intelligence continues to expand its technology solutions across Africa. The company's platform, Field Supply, is the largest pharmaceutical supply chain network on the continent, distributing over 3,000 products across 50 therapeutic areas. Field's distribution service, Shelf Life, reaches more than 2,500 pharmacies and hospitals in Nigeria and Kenya, providing trade financing solutions that address working capital constraints and support new medical interventions.

Field Intelligence's new route-to-market service, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, marks a pivotal moment in Africa's healthcare evolution. By addressing critical health challenges such as maternal mortality and enhancing healthcare infrastructure, Field is set to drive significant improvements in health outcomes across the continent. As the initiative progresses, it holds the promise of transforming public health delivery and reinforcing Field's role as a leader in healthtech innovation in Africa.