Field, an African healthtech leader, has launched a groundbreaking route-to-market service aimed at combating maternal mortality, newborn and child health issues, and improving nutrition across the continent. This initiative leverages Field’s proprietary technology and extensive distribution network, which serves over 40,000 healthcare providers in Kenya and Nigeria. The service is supported by an initial $11 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, underscoring the commitment to introduce innovative therapies and transform supply chains to address Africa’s urgent health priorities.
Since its inception in 2015, Field has facilitated over 800 million health interventions across more than 60 therapeutic areas, including family planning, HIV, and tuberculosis. This new initiative will start in Kenya and Nigeria, with plans for expansion to other regions. It aims to enhance the route to market for emerging therapies and technologies through a comprehensive digitization overhaul for healthcare providers, hospitals, and state-level healthcare bodies, complemented by financing options to boost operations and purchasing capabilities.
The service will also address last-mile delivery challenges, improving day-to-day health services and installing pharma-grade refrigerators to ensure the quality and efficacy of medical products. The initiative will be supported by a coalition of governments, manufacturers, and key stakeholders, marking one of the most ambitious maternal health programs on the continent.
Maternal mortality remains a critical issue in Africa, with women 45 times more likely to die in childbirth compared to Europe. The World Health Organization reports that Africa accounts for 69 percent of global maternal deaths, with Nigeria alone contributing to 29 percent of these deaths. Field’s service will introduce essential emerging therapies such as heat-stable carbetocin and calibrated drapes to detect and treat postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal mortality in Africa.
Michael Moreland, CEO & Founder of Field, highlights the transformative impact of this technology-driven initiative, stating, “This is public health powered by technology. Our goal is to integrate and scale these innovations into large-scale public health programs.” He emphasizes the importance of coordinated systems and processes to sustain progress in healthcare delivery amid economic challenges.
In addition to this new service, Field continues to expand its technology solutions across Africa. Its Field Supply platform stands as the largest pharmaceutical supply chain network on the continent, while Shelf Life distributes over 3,000 quality products across Nigeria and Kenya, including government and private sector facilities. The platform also provides trade financing solutions to overcome capital constraints and drive investment in new medical interventions.
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