Field, a prominent African healthtech company, has announced an ambitious $11 million initiative aimed at reducing maternal mortality in Nigeria and Kenya. This groundbreaking program, unveiled on Tuesday, seeks to address one of Africa’s most pressing health challenges through the introduction of innovative therapies and the transformation of supply chains.

The initiative, in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will utilize Field’s proprietary technology, distribution networks, and financing services to establish a robust network of over 40,000 healthcare providers. The program’s focus will be on improving maternal and newborn health, enhancing child nutrition, and tackling related complications.

According to the World Health Organisation, Africa was responsible for 69% of global maternal deaths in 2020, with Nigeria alone accounting for 29% of these deaths. To combat this crisis, Field will provide expectant mothers with access to critical life-saving therapies. These include heat-stable carbetocin and calibrated drapes, which are designed to detect and treat postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal mortality in the region.

Field’s platform aims to accelerate the deployment of new interventions, support established therapies, and address complications such as preeclampsia. The company has already facilitated over 800 million health interventions since its inception in 2015, covering more than 60 therapeutic areas including family planning, HIV, and tuberculosis.

Michael Moreland, Chief Executive Officer of Field, expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential impact. “This is public health powered by technology. Today’s announcement highlights the integration of Field’s products and services into large-scale public health programs. We believe health technology companies should engage in impactful coalitions between private and public sectors,” Moreland stated.

He further emphasized the importance of scaling and networking health systems to enhance access to quality care. With support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Field aims to make significant strides in improving maternal and child survival rates across diverse settings.

Moreland also acknowledged the challenges posed by the current economic climate, noting that progress in healthcare delivery could falter without coordinated efforts. “Our role, alongside our funders, is to ensure that this progress continues. The issues facing the healthcare sector are complex and require collaborative solutions,” he added.

Field’s initiative is poised to make a substantial difference in the fight against maternal mortality, reflecting a broader commitment to improving health outcomes in Africa through technology-driven solutions and strategic partnerships.