Field, a Nigerian healthtech company, has unveiled an innovative route-to-market service aimed at addressing critical health challenges in Africa, particularly in the areas of maternal mortality, newborn and child health, and nutrition. This move is expected to significantly improve healthcare access and delivery across the continent, with a focus on life-saving therapies for women and children.
The launch of this service is backed by an initial $11 million investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a strong endorsement of the company’s mission to combat preventable deaths through better access to quality healthcare.
Leveraging Technology to Improve Healthcare Access
Field’s new service utilizes the company’s proprietary technology, distribution networks, and financing services to deliver critical therapies to underserved areas. It is designed to reach both rural and urban healthcare providers, currently powering a network of over 40,000 public and private healthcare providers across Nigeria and Kenya.
Michael Moreland, the CEO and co-founder of Field, emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative, stating:
“Leveraging digital technology to power, network, and finance health systems at scale will significantly enhance access to quality care. The support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will accelerate improvements in maternal and child survival across various settings.”
Addressing Africa’s Maternal Mortality Crisis
Maternal mortality remains a serious issue in sub-Saharan Africa, where women face a 1 in 41 lifetime risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes. This risk is staggering compared to Western Europe, where the rate is 1 in 11,000. According to 2020 data, Africa accounted for 70% of global maternal deaths, with 545 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births compared to 4 deaths in Australia and New Zealand.
To help reduce these alarming figures, Field’s service will introduce and scale emerging therapies that can address some of the leading causes of maternal mortality. This includes the deployment of heat-stable carbetocin and calibrated drapes, both of which are designed to detect and treat postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal death in the region. These life-saving tools will be distributed across Field’s extensive healthcare network, providing expectant mothers in Africa with access to critical interventions.
In addition to postpartum hemorrhage, Field will also focus on supporting therapies for preeclampsia and other complications that threaten maternal and newborn health, further broadening the scope of interventions available to healthcare providers.
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Expanding Pharmaceutical Access and Distribution
Founded in 2015 by Michael Moreland and Justin Lorenzo, Field has emerged as a key player in the pharmaceutical supply chain in both Nigeria and Kenya. The company’s distribution arm, Shelf Life, currently distributes over 3,000 quality medical products across more than 50 therapeutic areas, including maternal health, nutrition, and infectious diseases. This service reaches 2,500 pharmacies and hospitals in 24 cities across Nigeria and Kenya, including major government facilities, large hospital systems, and smaller, family-operated pharmacies.
Through Shelf Life, Field is also addressing a common challenge in healthcare provision: the working capital constraints that limit investment in new medical technologies and therapies. By offering trade financing solutions for priority health interventions, Field enables healthcare providers to invest in and stock essential medical supplies and equipment, ensuring that life-saving treatments are readily available when needed.
Tackling Economic Challenges in Healthcare
Despite the advancements in healthcare technology and distribution, Field acknowledges that the economic landscape in Africa poses significant challenges. Moreland highlighted the need for coordinated systems and processes to ensure that healthcare improvements continue, particularly in the face of economic instability. He emphasized Field’s role in addressing these obstacles and ensuring that quality care reaches those who need it most.
“Despite improvements in healthcare delivery, the tough economic climate could affect progress in the absence of coordinated systems and processes. Our role is to address these challenges,” Moreland said.
A Vision for the Future of Healthcare in Africa
Field’s long-term vision is to reshape the pharmaceutical and healthcare supply chain in Africa, making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and efficient. With the backing of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other partners, the company is well-positioned to make a significant impact on maternal and child health, a critical area of concern for many African countries.
As the company continues to expand its reach, Field’s innovative use of technology and strategic partnerships will likely set the standard for healthcare delivery in the region. The route-to-market service is a vital step in this journey, enabling the company to bring new therapies to market faster, improve healthcare outcomes, and ultimately save lives.
Conclusion
With its latest initiative, Field is not only addressing one of the most pressing healthcare challenges in sub-Saharan Africa but also setting a precedent for how technology and innovative financing can drive systemic improvements in healthcare delivery. The company’s efforts to combat maternal mortality, support newborn and child health, and improve access to nutrition therapies underscore its commitment to transforming healthcare across the continent.
