Between 2011 and 2019, life expectancy in sub-Saharan Africa increased from 57.56 to 61.24 years. While there was a slight drop at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, this rise is quite remarkable. Even more remarkable is the fact that life expectancy in the region was only 50 at the turn of the millennium. While there are many factors behind this rise, economic growth and improved disease prevention and treatment are among the most notable.
The first has ensured that a growing percentage of Africans have access to the basic infrastructure, such as clean drinking water, that is so important to our overall health. The latter, meanwhile, means that diseases such as HIV/Aids, malaria and tuberculosis are no longer as deadly as they once were (especially for young people). However, even with these advances, Africa still faces significant healthcare challenges.
According to a 2021 report, nearly half of Africans still do not have access to the health care they need. And even when they do have access, getting that healthcare can be incredibly time-consuming and frustrating. You only have to look at the queues at hospitals and clinics to see just how painful it can be.
About 1Health
One company, however, is trying to eliminate at least some of these frustrations, not just for Africans but for people around the world.
Founded in Nairobi, Kenya in 2018, My 1 Health is a medical intermediary dedicated to providing ordinary Africans with access to specialist healthcare services worldwide. Beyond simply connecting people with healthcare expertise, My 1Health allows users to request emergency medical evacuations, have their cases reviewed by top specialists, and receive customized health packages for early detection of critical conditions or illnesses.
In addition, it can help with visa applications and facilitates airport transfers, hotel reservations, travel itineraries and post-treatment follow-up. Anyone who has sought treatment in another city, never mind the country, knows how difficult it can be to organize all of these things when you’re trying to do it yourself.
Combining the best of both worlds, the merger unlocked exponential opportunities. Our expanded network of 1,500+ doctors, 100+ hospitals and a global reach has enabled over 40,000+ medical trips.”
Ephraim Mwangi, Head of Growth Marketing at My1Health
According Ephraim MwangiHead of Growth Marketing at My1Health, the products and services the company offers have evolved but have always been connected to its central vision.
“The goal was to create a platform that simplifies patient access to global healthcare services, regardless of location,” He says. “Recognizing the growing demand for specialized services, our journey has been dedicated to expanding our services globally.”
“Providing multiple solutions is integral to improving the user experience by ensuring accessibility through our smartphone app and web interface,” he adds.Our commitment to improve and evolve our offerings reflects our dedication to global impact in the specialty healthcare industry.”
Key Moments
According to Mwangi, an important moment in achieving this vision at My 1Health was the merger of International Medical Treatment Ltd and My Health Africa, resulting in a unified platform.
“This merger has positioned us as global leaders in medical facilitation, constantly seeking new partnerships to strengthen our global presence,” He says. “By bringing together the best of both worlds, the merger has unlocked exponential opportunities. Our expanded network of 1,500+ doctors, 100+ hospitals and a global reach has enabled over 40,000+ medical trips.”
Ultimately, this means that patients have a greater level of choice than they would if they were limited to their towns, cities and countries.
“We give patients choice by offering local care when available and connecting them seamlessly with leading global specialists when needed,” says Mwangi. “This dual approach bridges the specialist gap while expanding choice, ensuring that everyone receives the best possible care, regardless of geographic limitations.“
According to Mwangi, the fact that My 1Health has been able to achieve what it has is largely due to the way healthcare professionals have embraced the platform.
“My 1Health’s offerings have been embraced by doctors and healthcare workers,” he says. “We continue to forge strategic partnerships with hospitals and clinics, seamlessly integrating into existing workflows and empowering local healthcare teams.”
“My 1Health is committed to global expansion, with plans to expand to the Middle East and South Asia this year. We are excited to bring our platform to new markets and aim to be the global leader in medical facilitation services through technology, patient focus and strategic partnerships.”
Ephraim Mwangi, Head of Growth Marketing at My1Health
Cooperation
The My 1Health team, of course, has worked hard to make sure it’s a platform they can embrace.
“We’ve developed a collaborative approach that builds trust and adoption, driving sustainable growth and ensuring healthcare professionals see My 1Health as a valuable tool, not just another platform,” He says.
Getting to this point, of course, didn’t come without its own challenges.
“My 1Health has faced many challenges, including language barriers and market competition,” says Mwangi, adding that the company’s focus on technology and facilitation services has helped it meet these challenges head-on.
What happens next?
In the future, My 1Health plans to expand its global footprint to even more markets.
“My 1Health is committed to global expansion, with plans to expand to the Middle East and South Asia this year,” says Mwangi. “We are excited to bring our platform to new markets and aim to be the global leader in medical facilitation services through technology, patient focus and strategic partnerships.”
Despite the very clear challenges facing African healthcare, it has also been home to many ground-breaking medical innovations and procedures, such as the first heart transplant, middle ear transplant and the world’s first successful intraocular lens implantation for cataract surgery. Critical technologies such as computed tomography were also developed there.
Could My 1Health build on this spirit of innovation to ensure that anyone can access the healthcare they need, no matter where they are in the world? Given what he’s accomplished so far, you’d be hard-pressed to bet against him playing at least a major role in this revolution.