Philips Foundation Partners With Kenyan Social Entrepreneurs To Transform Healthcare

Philips Foundation has announced its commitment to improve healthcare in Kenya by supporting local social entrepreneurs. To provide quality care to 100 million people annually by 2030, the foundation is shifting its efforts to invest in innovative healthcare solutions developed within Kenya.

These investments will not only consider the technology and business models of the enterprises but also their capacity to create a significant impact within the Kenyan healthcare system.

The Foundation recently reported substantial progress through unique collaborations in Sub-Saharan Africa, improving access to maternal care for 15 million people in 2022 alone.

Today, Philips Foundation is announcing its increased focus on investing in social entrepreneurs to enhance locally-led innovation and improve the quality of healthcare delivery through an ecosystem-based approach.

Muthoni Ntonjira, General Manager of Philips Kenya, on the foundation’s trajectory: “Over the past five years, Philips Foundation’s impact in the country has been substantial by leveraging Philips technology. Today marks a new chapter where Philips Foundation will extend support to social entrepreneurs, becoming a catalyst for their healthcare innovations. These partnerships are instrumental in delivering affordable quality healthcare in the country.”

At a recent partner meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, the Foundation outlined plans to deepen these partnerships with social entrepreneurs, building on its history of technological support to enhance healthcare access and quality. For example, the Foundation has been involved in supporting Access Afya and Penda Health, two social entrepreneurs embedded within Kenya’s healthcare systems. Access Afya integrates into Kenya’s healthcare system with its “clinic in a box” model, which brings fully-equipped medical facilities to underserved areas. Meanwhile, Penda Health focuses on personalized healthcare experiences using advanced technology and data analytics.

This partnership meeting was inspired by the fact that its collaboration with social entrepreneurs operating in Kenya comes after initial successes since the foundation launched its subsidiary, Philips Foundation Impact Investments in 2021.

“Each story from our partners is a testament to the power of passion in transforming healthcare. We are not just investing in technologies; we are investing in hope, determination, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives societal improvement,” said Director of the Philips Foundation, Margot Cooijmans. 

Philips Foundation believes in developing a healthcare ecosystem that enhances collaboration among supported enterprises, magnifying their collective impact. For instance, by linking radiology services like Rology’s teleradiology platform with Philips X-ray and ultrasound equipment at Penda Health clinics, they are improving diagnostic services in the underserved communities in the country. Additionally, collaborations with organizations like the NCD Alliance and the Ministry of Health Kenya are facilitating swift diagnosis and management of heart conditions with technologies like portable ultrasound and mobile-connected ECG, KardioScreen.

“Observing the dedication of these social entrepreneurs, and helping to integrate their innovations, reaffirms our commitment to creating a healthier future for all,” added Margot Cooijmans.

These partnerships exemplify the Philips Foundation’s investment in not just technology but in the entrepreneurial drive that contributes to societal progress and health improvements in Kenya.

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