Field Intelligence Launches $11M Initiative to Address Maternal Mortality in Africa

Field Intelligence, a leading African healthtech company, has announced the launch of an innovative service designed to tackle maternal mortality and improve maternal, newborn, and child health across the continent. This new initiative, which leverages the company’s cutting-edge technology, distribution networks, and financing capabilities, has received an initial $11 million in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Founded in 2015, Field Intelligence has established itself as a key player in transforming healthcare supply chains across Nigeria and Kenya, serving over 40,000 healthcare providers. This new service, aimed at addressing urgent health priorities like maternal mortality, marks a significant expansion of the company’s efforts to use technology to solve Africa’s most pressing health challenges.

Combatting Maternal Mortality with Technology and Innovation

Maternal mortality remains a critical issue in Africa, with women in the region facing 45 times greater risk of dying during childbirth compared to women in Europe. In fact, Nigeria alone accounts for nearly 30% of the world’s maternal deaths. Field’s new initiative seeks to address this challenge by improving access to essential therapies and interventions for expectant mothers.

The service will provide healthcare providers with cutting-edge treatments such as heat-stable carbetocin and calibrated drapes to treat postpartum hemorrhage—the leading cause of maternal deaths in Africa. The initiative will also focus on improving healthcare infrastructure through digital solutions, financing options, and last-mile delivery services, all aimed at increasing the reach and effectiveness of healthcare services.

According to Michael Moreland, CEO and Founder of Field, “This initiative represents a major step forward in scaling healthcare interventions that will save lives. By combining technology, supply chain optimization, and strong partnerships, we’re creating a system that improves access to essential medicines and services at scale.”

Scaling Up Impact Across the Continent

Field Intelligence has a proven track record in scaling healthcare solutions across the continent. Since its inception, the company has facilitated over 800 million health interventions in key areas such as family planning, HIV, and tuberculosis. With the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the company plans to expand its reach into more African countries, starting with Kenya and Nigeria, and ultimately broadening its impact to other regions in the future.

As part of this initiative, Field’s Field Supply platform, the largest pharmaceutical supply chain system in Africa, will continue to grow, providing more than 3,000 products across over 50 therapeutic areas. Currently, the platform supports over 2,500 healthcare providers across 24 cities in Nigeria and Kenya, including government facilities, hospitals, pharmacies, and family-owned drugstores.

Recognized Growth and Market Expansion

Field Intelligence’s rapid growth has earned it recognition as one of the fastest-growing healthtech companies in Africa. In 2022, the company was ranked 24th out of 75 on the Financial Times’ list of Africa’s fastest-growing businesses. From its modest beginnings with 7 employees, Field has grown its team to over 40 and expanded its reach to new markets.

Between 2017 and 2020, the company achieved an Absolute Growth Rate (AGR) of 178.7% and a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 40.7%, with total revenue reaching $2.3M. In addition to its financial growth, Field’s Shelf Life service has empowered over 1,000 pharmacies in Nigeria and Kenya, providing them with access to affordable medicines and improving the efficiency of local healthcare supply chains.

A Vision for the Future of Healthcare in Africa

Field Intelligence’s mission is clear: to transform healthcare access and delivery across Africa through innovative, data-driven solutions.

By working alongside governments, healthcare providers, and global partners, Field is building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that addresses critical needs like maternal health, child nutrition, and infectious diseases.

“We believe that technology has the power to drive meaningful change in healthcare systems, particularly in underserved regions. Our goal is to ensure that healthcare providers across Africa have access to the products and tools they need to deliver high-quality care to their communities.” - CEO Michal Moreland

About Field Intelligence

Field Intelligence is an African healthtech company dedicated to transforming the pharmaceutical supply chain to improve healthcare access and outcomes.

With operations in Nigeria and Kenya, the company uses technology to streamline the delivery of medical supplies, support healthcare providers, and ensure the availability of essential medicines. Founded in 2015, Field works with governments, manufacturers, and healthcare providers to address Africa’s most pressing health challenges.

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a global philanthropic organization focused on improving global health and alleviating poverty. The foundation partners with governments, organizations, and businesses to address critical issues such as maternal health, nutrition, and education. For more information, visit www.gatesfoundation.org.