Cameroonian health startup Waspito has successfully raised a $2.5 million seed extension in a funding round led by DP World, with participation from investors including Newtown Partners, Saviu Ventures, AAIC Investment, Axian Ventures, and CFAO’s Health54. This brings to $5.2 million raised since last year’s $2.7 million.
This funding will support Waspito’s growth initiatives, particularly in expanding its telemedicine services in the Francophone region. The startup, founded in early 2020 by Jean Lobe Lobe, focuses on providing accessible healthcare services through its health-focused social network.
Waspito’s platform serves as a unique health ecosystem, allowing users (patients) to instantly connect with verified doctors through video calls. Unlike traditional telemedicine platforms that involve pre-registration and scheduled appointments, Waspito emphasizes instant video consultations to address the immediate healthcare needs of users. The platform also facilitates sample collection from homes and the delivery of medication, enhancing the overall healthcare experience.
The startup, often referred to as the “Facebook for healthcare,” prioritizes accessibility and immediacy in healthcare delivery. Users can log in and select a doctor from a list of those currently available online, fostering real-time doctor-patient interactions. In cases where medical tests are recommended, Waspito collaborates with partner laboratories to ensure convenient sample collection.
Waspito expanded its operations to Ivory Coast earlier this year, piloting a hybrid model that combines virtual consultations with offline mini-clinics. The hybrid approach involves setting up mini-clinics within the branch network of La Poste Corporation, the national postal service in Ivory Coast, providing access to offline populations. Nurses stationed at these sites facilitate virtual consultations with doctors, creating a bridge between digital and offline healthcare services.
Jean Lobe Lobe emphasizes the importance of connecting the entire healthcare ecosystem online, positioning Waspito as a one-stop-shop for various healthcare services. The platform has partnered with hospitals to ensure seamless continuity of care for patients requiring further reviews or admission after initial Waspito consultations.
With a vision to make healthcare accessible to all, Waspito has reached 650,000 users in Cameroon and Ivory Coast, on-boarded 950 doctors, and facilitated 60,000 consultations. The startup aims to address the scarcity of healthcare professionals in target countries, where the latest data indicates fewer than two doctors for every 10,000 people.
Waspito’s success in reaching users in Africa, where a significant portion remains offline due to the cost of internet and smartphones, highlights its commitment to inclusivity. The hybrid model, currently piloted in Ivory Coast, will be extended to Cameroon and Senegal, further expanding its reach to underserved populations.
The startup’s innovative approach to telemedicine has earned recognition, with Waspito being named the best health startup in Africa at this year’s VivaTech awards. The recent funding round, guided by fundraising advisory firm Raisers, positions Waspito for continued growth and impact in the healthcare sector.
As Jean Lobe Lobe states, “Healthcare is actually for everybody, and that means we have to reach out to everybody. These mini-clinics, we think, are the best way to connect with the underserved populations.”
