Africa | July 9, 2018

Villgro Kenya seeds Ugandan health startups MamaOpe and clinicPesa

Roodgally Senatus
ImpactAlpha Editor

Roodgally Senatus

ImpactAlpha, June 6 – More than 500,000 deaths can be prevented by early diagnosis and treatment each year, according to Villgro’s Robert Karanja. To this end, MamaOpe has developed a “smart jacket” device that can diagnose pneumonia, the number one cause of death in children under five years. clinicPesa addresses another top global health issue—cost of services. The startup helps users access savings and loans to cover the costs of care. Villgro Kenya is seeding the two companies with grant funding, product development support and mentorship.

  • India to East Africa… Villgro Kenya is a health-focused offshoot of India-based incubator and investor Villgro. It launched last year in partnership with the Lemelson Foundation and USAID. “We saw the need in the health sector and in the incubation of health startups,” Villgro’s Aditi Seshadri said. “Villgro Kenya will run a longer incubation program offering companies close mentoring support and other services to help their businesses scale.”