Access Afya: A healthcare operating system for emerging economies

Nairobi, with its vibrant growth and urban charm, unfortunately houses a vast number of clinics that operate below standards or without appropriate credentials, especially in densely populated and low-income areas. Here, Access Afya – which literally means ‘access health’ in Swahili – stands out as an example. Their method isn't just about bridging healthcare gaps but doing it with a social, entrepreneurial, and community-centric mindset.

Melissa Menke, the founder of Access Afya, offers insight into the lives of ordinary patients. “Think of the hardworking individual, trying to make ends meet in Nairobi’s informal sectors. They choose our clinics and services because they yearn for quality health, even on a tight budget.”

For many, regular healthcare remains an elusive dream. With Access Afya's approach, that dream becomes a reality, enhancing overall well-being and quality of life. “Our innovative approach to healthcare not only builds trust between the patient and the provider but also fosters a culture of health consciousness within the community,” Melissa adds.

But what sets their solution apart? How is Access Afya unique in its approach?

Clinic in a box

In 2019, only one in nine health facilities in Nairobi County was reportedly registered and licensed to operate [2], which means most of the facilities available for patients may fall short of offering quality medical services. Recognizing this gap, Access Afya acquired a solution from Merck and Lifesciences Ltd. named Curafa and adapted it to a franchise model. This approach is crafted to empower local workers to step up as primary healthcare providers in two major ways.

Firstly, they introduce walk-in clinics that offer dependable healthcare at affordable prices. These clinics are essentially ready-made, or as Access Afya phrases it, a ‘clinic in a box.’ They provide a broad spectrum of services tailored to local needs, including family planning, lab tests, children's vaccinations, prenatal and postnatal care, routine check-ups, emergency care, and much more.

In addition to these physical clinics, they offer a digital solution too. Through an app, they offer virtual doctor consultations for an affordable subscription fee.

Access Afya's mDaktari app is a game-changer in this space. Their mobile platform transforms conventional healthcare delivery by offering real-time consultations. This allows doctors to share health advice, prescribe medication if necessary, and even facilitate health coaching sessions – all without patients having to leave their homes. 

As Melissa Menke puts it: “At Access Afya, healthcare doesn’t start and end at the clinic.”

Patients can ask health-related questions via the digital app mDaktari, screen themselves for common health conditions, and connect to their nearest Curafa clinic to either pick up their medications or consult a doctor in person. They also receive follow-up checks on their well-being.

For individuals earning up to $135 a month, the average in Kenya [3], this comprehensive suite of affordable services reshapes healthcare access, establishing a gold standard for tailoring healthcare models to communities facing economic challenges.

Healthcare worker-centric 

At the crux of Access Afya’s innovative approach also lies the empowerment of local healthcare workers. 

“Our model is an example of a healthcare worker-centric approach. It enables passionate local health professionals, who possess an intimate understanding of their communities, to set up their clinics,” Dr. Daphne Ngunjiri, CEO of Access Afya, explains. “This not only democratizes healthcare access, extending its reach to even the most remote areas but also nurtures a sense of ownership and responsibility among local practitioners.”

Additionally, the data analytics component is crucial. Access Afya’s clinics do not only capture patient data but also recognize patterns, which in turn, refine their approach to healthcare. Dr. Ngunjiri emphasizes: "We collect demographic data, health and history, respecting privacy regulations, and our data help others understand the market.”

Access Afya stands as a testament to what's achievable when technology meets a community-centric approach. Through its innovative solutions, it's not only increasing the reach of quality healthcare in countries such as Kenya, but also setting the standards for similar initiatives elsewhere.

Dr. Ngunjiri captures this sentiment aptly: “At the heart of our endeavors lies the mission to increase access for patients with limited or no entry to medical services. We achieve this by leveraging our scalable healthcare operating system, but most importantly, by championing the heroes of healthcare: the local practitioners.”

Philips Foundation's decision to channel a part of their impact investments toward Access Afya, in unity with UBS Optimus Foundation, underscores this strategic approach: recognizing that while healthcare challenges may be universal, effective solutions are often custom-made, reflecting local traditions and specific hurdles.

“Working with social enterprises like Access Afya underlines our commitment to help overcome the global disparities in the availability of health services. Understanding and addressing the community needs, combined with comprehensive technology, forms the cornerstone of progress,” Margot Cooijmans, director of Philips Foundation, says. “As we navigate our way through the complexities of healthcare services across different landscapes, it's the blend of local innovation and shared values with fellow foundations, such as the UBS Optimus Foundation, that pave the way for an inclusive, healthy future.”