Nigerian blood delivery start-up raises $200,000 for expansion

Nigeria's fast-growing tech-based start-up scene has been boosted in the last two years, and one of the beneficiaries is LifeBank. The company recently closed a $200,000 seed round to develop a smarter way to deliver blood to Lagos hospitals. LifeBank is a medical distribution company that uses data, smart logistics, and technology to ensure essential medical products reach hospitals in the right condition and on time. The company is focused on solving the critical issue of blood shortages in Nigeria, which has resulted in over 26,000 women dying from postpartum hemorrhage and 17,000 children dying from anemia due to the lack of blood. Accident victims, sickle cell patients, and individuals undergoing cancer treatment also struggle to access the blood they need. LifeBank's innovative approach involves collating fragmented independent blood banks in the country, taking inventory of available blood supplies, and providing hospitals with a platform to order blood through an app or a 24-hour call center. The blood is then delivered in a WHO-recommended cold chain, ensuring its quality and safety. While the company's current focus is on blood and blood products, they have plans to expand their services to include vaccines, insulin, oxygen, and other essential medical products that hospitals may not typically stock. The ultimate goal is to save 10 million lives in 10 years and to establish a presence in every village, outpost, and city in Africa. LifeBank's expansion plans include entering one other African city this year and extending their services throughout Africa and potentially to other developing nations, such as Mexico and India. The company's participation in innovation summits like the African Innovation Summit is crucial, as it provides a platform for innovators to showcase their creations, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and explore opportunities for growth and enhancement. The innovation ecosystem in Africa is evolving, with more communities supporting innovation, increased access to resources, and advancements in technology driving progress. Initiatives like the CC Hub in Lagos, Nigeria, have played a significant role in nurturing start-ups like LifeBank and providing them with the necessary support to thrive. While there is always room for improvement, the future looks promising for innovation on the continent, and companies like LifeBank are at the forefront of driving positive change and revolutionizing the healthcare industry. As the sector continues to grow and evolve, the potential for African innovators to make a lasting impact on global healthcare is becoming increasingly tangible, and the world eagerly awaits the groundbreaking advancements that lie ahead.