Waspito, a Cameroonian health startup, has received a $2.5 million seed extension from DP World, Newtown Partners, Saviu Ventures, AAIC Investment, Axian Ventures, and CFAO’s Health54.
The cash will be used to boost Waspito’s expansion initiatives, notably in the Francophone region.
Waspito, dubbed the “Facebook for Healthcare,” is a health-focused social network that allows users in Africa to rapidly connect with vetted doctors via video conversations, breaking away from typical telemedicine models that need pre-registration and appointment booking.
Jean Lobe Lobe created the firm in early 2020, deliberately positioning itself at the crossroads of technology and healthcare soon before the Covid epidemic caused a global health emergency. Waspito’s purpose is to make quality healthcare available to all Africans, particularly in areas with a poor doctor-to-patient ratio.
Waspito’s innovative method allows customers to select from a variety of online doctors for live video consultations. The platform works with partner laboratories to provide home sample collection services for medical tests. Waspito has also formed alliances with local hospitals to provide smooth transitions for patients who require additional care or admission.
Jean Lobe Lobe underlines the necessity of making doctors available online at all times. Waspito promises to bridge the gap in target nations, where there are less than two doctors for every 10,000 people, by providing a one-stop shop for all healthcare services. Patients can pay using a variety of methods, including insurance, motivating doctors to stay online for extended periods of time.
The firm, which was just named the best health startup in Africa at the VivaTech awards, has 650,000 users in Cameroon and Ivory Coast, 950 doctors on board, and facilitated 60,000 consultations. Waspito anticipates additional expansion with its hybrid model, which is now being tested in Ivory Coast.
The hybrid strategy entails the installation of mini-clinics within the branch network of La Poste Corporation, Ivory Coast’s national postal service, to provide virtual access to doctors and other healthcare services to offline patients. This novel technique addresses the issues of internet and smartphone access in Africa, particularly among underprivileged groups.
Waspito intends to launch the hybrid model in Cameroon and Senegal by the end of the first quarter of the following year. Waspito is committed to making high-quality medical care accessible to everybody, thanks to funding from DP World and other investors.
