In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a remarkable surge in innovative health tech startups that are transforming the landscape of healthcare across the nation. These companies are leveraging technology to address critical challenges, from improving maternal and child health to enhancing medical supply logistics and providing virtual healthcare services.

This article highlights some of the most groundbreaking health companies in Nigeria, showcasing how they are revolutionizing the industry and making quality healthcare more accessible and efficient for millions of Nigerians. Through their ingenuity and dedication, these teams are not only addressing pressing healthcare needs but are also paving the way for a brighter, healthier future in Nigeria and beyond.

1. LifeBank: Revolutionizing Blood and Medical Supply Delivery

Founded by Temie Giwa-Tubosun in 2016, LifeBank addresses the critical issue of blood and medical supply logistics in Nigeria. The idea for LifeBank came to Temie during a personal health scare; an emergency C-section highlighted the importance of timely blood transfusions, a luxury not easily accessible in Lagos. Recognizing this, she launched LifeBank to provide an innovative solution using digital tools like ColdBank for cold storage, SkyBank for drone deliveries, and SmartMedi for supply chain management. LifeBank’s modern approach includes an online repository partnering with over 50 blood banks, ensuring prompt delivery of life-saving supplies.

This forward-thinking startup tackles the logistics of medical supplies, aiming to improve healthcare outcomes across Nigeria. By facilitating the swift transportation of blood and temperature-sensitive products, LifeBank has become a beacon of hope in a country where healthcare delivery can often be challenging. The company’s commitment to leveraging technology for efficient healthcare delivery makes it a trailblazer in the industry, ensuring that more lives are saved by reducing delays and improving access to essential medical resources.

2. Ubenwa: AI-Powered Cry Analysis for Infant Health

Ubenwa, a Nigerian-founded startup, has developed a groundbreaking mobile app that uses machine learning to analyze an infant’s cry, offering a non-invasive and cost-effective diagnostic tool. Founded by Charles Onu and his team, including Innocent Udeogu and Samantha Latremouille, Ubenwa specializes in detecting birth asphyxia (BA), a condition that can lead to severe complications if untreated. The app transforms any mic-enabled device into a diagnostic tool, interpreting the biomarkers in an infant’s cry to provide early detection of health issues.

Driven by personal experience—Onu’s cousin suffered from BA and developed a hearing disability—Ubenwa was born out of a passion to prevent such outcomes for other families. The company collaborates with top neonatologists in Nigeria to validate its technology, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Ubenwa’s mission is to expand its capabilities to detect various health conditions in newborns, starting with BA. By leveraging the power of AI and a keen understanding of infant healthcare, Ubenwa is poised to revolutionize pediatric care, offering parents peace of mind and potentially life-saving early interventions.

3. Babymigo: A Digital Community for Nigerian Mothers

Launched in 2018, Babymigo is Nigeria’s largest online community for expectant, pregnant, and nursing mothers. Evolving from Adeloye Olanrewaju’s SMS-based SaferMom platform, Babymigo provides a judgment-free space where mothers can connect, share experiences, and access expert advice. Founded by Adeloye Olanrewaju, Kemi Olawoye and their team in a modest office in Yaba, Lagos State, the platform pools knowledge on various stages of pregnancy and parenting, offering trusted articles and a comprehensive directory of local services, from hospitals to lactation experts.

Babymigo’s impact extends beyond digital interactions; it fosters a supportive environment for mothers to navigate the complexities of parenthood. The platform’s inclusive approach, regardless of social status or geographic location, has made it a vital resource for over 400 million parents across Africa. Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the “Genius Companies” of 2018, Babymigo continues to innovate, making motherhood a shared, supported journey for women across the continent.

4. Betacare: Bridging Healthcare Gaps with Virtual Solutions

Betacare, founded by Dr. Paul Edirin and Victoria Okon, is an innovative platform designed to bridge healthcare gaps in Nigeria. The platform connects patients with healthcare providers, offering virtual consultations and home-based healthcare services. Betacare aims to make healthcare more accessible, especially in rural and underserved areas, by leveraging technology.

The platform’s user-friendly interface allows patients to schedule appointments, receive medical advice, and access a wide range of healthcare services from the comfort of their homes. Betacare’s innovative approach ensures that quality healthcare is within reach for everyone, regardless of location. By providing a seamless and efficient healthcare experience, Betacare is revolutionizing how medical care is delivered in Nigeria.

5. PadUp Creations: Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene Solutions

PadUp Creations, founded by Olivia Onyemaobi, offers an eco-friendly and affordable solution to menstrual hygiene management in Nigeria. As the country’s first certified manufacturer of washable and reusable sanitary pads, PadUp Creations addresses the unique needs of women and girls, particularly in rural and low-income areas. The company’s innovative approach extends beyond product development; it champions environmental sustainability by using eco-friendly materials.

The team at PadUp Creations is committed to creating high-quality menstrual products that meet rigorous safety standards. Beyond providing a practical solution, the company advocates for better menstrual health and hygiene education. With distribution in 19 countries, PadUp Creations is not only a brand that cares about women’s well-being but also one that is committed to a sustainable future for the planet. This dual focus on health and environmental impact positions PadUp Creations as a leader in redefining feminine hygiene products.

6. Crib A’Glow: Solar-Powered Innovation for Treating Neonatal Jaundice

Crib A’Glow, developed by Tiny Hearts Technology, is a life-saving innovation that offers a solar-powered phototherapy solution for treating neonatal jaundice. Founded by Virtue Oboro after her traumatic experience with her son’s jaundice, Crib A’Glow provides an affordable and accessible option for families in rural areas with limited access to electricity. This portable crib uses solar energy to power LED lights, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional phototherapy units.

The innovation has received significant recognition, including a $50,000 grant from Johnson & Johnson’s Africa Innovation Award. Crib A’Glow has already made a profound impact, treating over 300,000 babies across Nigeria and Ghana, with plans to expand further into sub-Saharan Africa. By addressing a critical healthcare gap, Crib A’Glow saves lives and alleviates the stress and uncertainty for families dealing with this common infant condition.

7. Omomi: Empowering Parents with Child Health Management Tools

Omomi, meaning “my child” in Yoruba, is a mobile app that helps parents monitor their children’s health through features like vaccination reminders and growth tracking. Launched by Dr. Charles Akhimien in 2015, the app provides instant access to healthcare advice, allowing parents to make informed decisions.
The app has a user base extending beyond Nigeria to Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania. Omomi has become a crucial tool for families with limited access to healthcare facilities.

As part of the MOBIcure initiative, Omomi also includes a community forum where parents can share experiences and seek support. Its comprehensive approach to maternal and child healthcare makes it a valuable resource for over 40,000 women. Omomi bridges the gap in healthcare access to ensure that more children receive timely and appropriate medical care. This innovative platform represents a significant step in improving child health outcomes in Africa.

8. HelpMum: Enhancing Maternal and Child Health with Digital Solutions

HelpMum, founded by Abiodun Adereni in 2017, is a digital platform that aims to improve maternal and child health in Nigeria. The HelpMum Vaccination Tracker is a key service that provides parents with timely reminders about their children’s vaccination schedules, thereby boosting immunization rates. The platform also offers clean birth kits and partners with state governments to deploy these resources in primary healthcare centers, particularly in rural areas.

HelpMum’s comprehensive approach includes an AI-based chatbot that guides mothers through immunization processes and connects them with nearby healthcare facilities. The initiative was founded by Abiodun Adereni to tackle maternal and infant mortality and has achieved remarkable success registering 60,000 mothers, and increasing vaccination rates by 45% since its launch. With a focus on data-driven solutions and partnerships, HelpMum is making significant strides in reducing maternal and infant mortality. The platform’s innovative use of technology ensures that even the most remote communities have access to essential healthcare services.

9. Medismarts: Cloud-Based Data Management for Healthcare

Medismarts is a Lagos-based health tech startup specializing in cloud-based data management for healthcare institutions. Founded by Obinna Osuji and Damilola Oni, the company provides a freemium Electronic Medical Records (EMR) platform that has been deployed in nearly 100 hospitals, serving 60,000 patients. Medismarts’ partnership with the Association of General Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN) aims to digitize medical records across over 2,000 hospitals in Lagos State.

The platform’s ability to store and manage patient data digitally ensures seamless access to medical history, reducing errors and improving patient care. Medismarts’ innovative approach not only streamlines healthcare delivery but also provides valuable analytics and insights for better decision-making. By leveraging cloud technology, Medismarts is transforming the healthcare landscape in Nigeria, making medical records more accessible and reliable.

10. Helium Health: Leading Digital Transformation in African Healthcare

Helium Health, founded in 2016 by Adegoke Olubusi, Tito Ovia, and Dimeji Sofowora, is a leading healthcare technology provider. The company offers a comprehensive suite of digital solutions, including Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Hospital Management Information Systems (HMIS), and telemedicine services. With over 500 healthcare providers and more than 10,000 health workers using their platform, Helium Health has transformed how medical data is managed and accessed across the region.

Helium Health’s mission is to create a data-driven healthcare sector in Africa, addressing challenges like data inaccuracy and system inefficiency. The company’s innovative solutions facilitate better patient care, streamline operations, and provide financing options for healthcare facilities. With a strong focus on accessibility and quality, Helium Health is setting new standards in healthcare technology, ensuring that more Africans receive the care they need.

Nigeria’s health tech startups are transforming the healthcare landscape with innovative solutions that address critical challenges. By harnessing technology, they are bridging gaps in access, improving patient outcomes, and driving innovations that are setting new standards in healthcare delivery.

These startups exemplify the ingenuity of Nigerian entrepreneurs, providing locally tailored solutions that improve health outcomes and position Nigeria as a leader in medical technology innovation. As these ventures grow and set a model for the continent, they are poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery, making it more accessible and efficient for all Nigerians. The future of healthcare in Nigeria looks promising.