Submitted
2024 Global Health Equity Challenge

AFYA TRUCK

Team Leader
Deogratius Mahendeka
Solution Overview & Team Lead Details
Our Organization
Afya Truck
What is the name of your solution?
AFYA TRUCK
Provide a one-line summary of your solution.
Afya Track (Tanzania): Ethical data-driven platform for seamless healthcare collaboration.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Ilemela, Tanzania
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
  • Tanzania
What type of organization is your solution team?
  • Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit
What specific problem are you solving?

Limited Access to Quality Healthcare Due to Fragmented Data

Afya Track tackles the critical challenge of limited access to quality healthcare in Africa, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Statistics highlight the severity:

  • World Health Organization (WHO) Reports (2023):

    • Globally, an estimated 5 billion people, or half the world's population, lack access to essential health services.
    • In Sub-Saharan Africa, the situation is even more concerning, with an estimated 43% of the population lacking access to essential health services.
  • Fragmented Patient Data: Traditional paper-based medical records and siloed healthcare systems create fragmented data, hindering effective care coordination and treatment planning.

Impact on Tanzanian Communities:

In Tanzania, the problem is equally concerning. The latest 2023 Tanzania National Health Survey revealed that over 30% of the population in rural areas lives more than 5 kilometers from the nearest healthcare facility. This significant distance, coupled with fragmented medical records, significantly restricts access to quality care, especially for chronic conditions and emergencies.

Afya Track's Solution:

Afya Track's decentralized health information system tackles this challenge by:

  • Linking patient data to national biometric IDs: This ensures secure and portable medical records, accessible across different healthcare providers.
  • Facilitating seamless collaboration: Our platform enables healthcare professionals to share patient data securely, improving diagnosis, treatment planning, and continuity of care.

We addressing fragmented data and promoting data-driven collaboration, Afya Track empowers healthcare providers to deliver better care, even in remote areas. This can significantly increase access to quality healthcare for millions of Tanzanians and serve as a model for other African countries facing similar challenges.


What is your solution?

Afya Track: Revolutionizing Healthcare Access Through Ethical Data

Afya Track is a decentralized health information system designed to improve access to quality healthcare in Africa, particularly in remote and underserved communities. Our platform leverages the power of technology to bridge the gap between fragmented data and seamless healthcare delivery.

Here's how it works:

  • Secure Patient Data Collection: Afya Track works by securely collecting and storing patient health data. We obtain informed consent from patients before collecting any information. Data is then linked to a patient's national biometric ID, ensuring a secure and portable health record accessible across different healthcare providers.

  • Decentralized Platform: Afya Track operates on a decentralized platform, meaning patient data is not stored in a single location. This reduces the risk of data breaches and empowers patients with greater control over their information.

  • Seamless Collaboration: Our platform facilitates secure communication and data sharing between healthcare providers. Doctors, nurses, and specialists can access a patient's complete medical history with their consent, enabling better-informed diagnoses, treatment plans, and improved continuity of care. This is particularly beneficial in situations where patients visit different healthcare facilities or require specialist consultations.

  • Technology Stack: Afya Track utilizes a combination of secure cloud storage, blockchain technology, and advanced encryption methods to safeguard patient data. We adhere to all relevant data privacy regulations in Tanzania and any other countries we operate in.

Benefits for Patients:

  • Improved Access to Care: Afya Track empowers patients to access quality healthcare, even in remote areas, by facilitating communication and collaboration between healthcare providers.
  • Data Ownership and Control: Patients have control over their data and can choose who has access to their medical records.

Benefits for Healthcare Providers:

  • Enhanced Patient Care: Afya Track provides a holistic view of a patient's medical history, enabling more informed diagnoses and treatment plans.
  • Improved Communication and Collaboration: The platform facilitates secure communication between healthcare professionals, streamlining care coordination and reducing medical errors.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Aggregated data anonymized for patient privacy can be used to identify healthcare trends and improve healthcare delivery systems at a broader level.

Afya Track: More Than Just Technology

Afya Track goes beyond just technology. We prioritize patient education and awareness. We provide patients with clear and accessible information about their data rights and how their information is used within the platform. This builds trust and transparency.

Our Impact:

By bridging the gap between fragmented data and seamless healthcare collaboration, Afya Track empowers healthcare providers to deliver better care, improve patient outcomes, and increase access to quality healthcare for millions of people across Africa.

Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?

Afya Track: Empowering Underserved Communities in Africa

Afya Track's primary focus is on improving the lives of individuals and communities in Africa who face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare. These underserved populations include:

  • Residents of Remote Areas: Millions of Africans live in remote villages far from healthcare facilities. Traditional paper-based records and lack of communication channels create significant challenges in accessing care, especially for chronic conditions and emergencies.
  • Low-Income Populations: Financial constraints often prevent individuals from seeking necessary medical attention. Afya Track aims to improve access to healthcare regardless of socioeconomic background.
  • Women and Children: Pregnant women and children often face specific healthcare needs that are inadequately addressed due to limited resources and fragmented data. Afya Track empowers healthcare providers to deliver better prenatal care, improve child vaccination rates, and track essential health indicators for mothers and children.
  • People with Chronic Conditions: Managing chronic diseases requires ongoing monitoring and access to specialists. Afya Track facilitates continuity of care by providing a secure platform for sharing medical records and facilitating communication between healthcare providers.

How Afya Track Makes a Difference:

By addressing fragmented data and promoting seamless collaboration, Afya Track empowers healthcare providers to serve underserved communities in several ways:

  • Improved Accessibility: Afya Track eliminates geographical barriers by enabling remote consultations and facilitating referrals to specialists located in urban centers. This allows patients in remote areas to receive quality care closer to home.
  • Enhanced Affordability: Afya Track can potentially reduce healthcare costs by streamlining communication and care coordination, minimizing unnecessary tests and redundant services.
  • Better Health Outcomes: The platform provides a holistic view of a patient's medical history, leading to more informed diagnoses and treatment plans. This can lead to improved health outcomes and a reduction in preventable complications.
  • Empowerment and Education: Afya Track empowers patients by giving them ownership and control over their data. Educational resources within the platform raise awareness about health issues and promote preventative care seeking behavior.

Impactful Stories:

Imagine a pregnant woman in a remote village who, through Afya Track, can access a virtual consultation with a specialist miles away. Or picture a child in need of specialized care who can now be referred to the right doctor with their complete medical history readily available. These are just a few examples of how Afya Track directly impacts the lives of underserved communities.

How are you and your team well-positioned to deliver this solution?

Afya Track: A Team Rooted in the Communities We Serve

Afya Track is uniquely positioned to deliver this solution because our team comprises passionate individuals with deep understanding and connection to the very communities we aim to serve. Here's why:

Leadership with Local Expertise:

  • Deogratius Mahendeka (CEO): Deogratius grew up in a rural Tanzanian village and witnessed firsthand the challenges of limited access to quality healthcare. His personal experience fuels his dedication to improving healthcare delivery systems, particularly in remote areas. Deogratius holds a degree in Information Technology from a Tanzanian university and possesses extensive experience developing tech solutions tailored to the African context.

  • Suzana Mpare (Healthcare Lead): Suzana is a dedicated Tanzanian physician with over 10 years of experience working in both urban and rural healthcare facilities. She acutely understands the frustrations of fragmented data and the need for improved communication between healthcare providers. Suzana's expertise guides the development of Afya Track to ensure it addresses the specific needs of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals serving underserved communities.

  • Christina Mshono (Community Engagement Lead): Christina hails from a remote village in Tanzania and has a strong background in community development. She plays a vital role in ensuring Afya Track is culturally sensitive and user-friendly for patients in diverse communities. Christina spearheads community outreach initiatives, gathering feedback and ensuring the platform aligns with the needs and preferences of the target population.

Community-Centric Design and Implementation:

Afya Track prioritizes community engagement throughout the design and implementation process:

  • Needs Assessment: We conducted extensive consultations with healthcare providers, patients, and community leaders in various regions of Tanzania. This helped us understand the specific challenges and priorities related to healthcare access and data management.
  • Culturally Sensitive Design: We designed the Afya Track platform with user-friendliness and cultural sensitivity in mind. The interface is available in Kiswahili and other local languages to ensure accessibility for diverse populations.
  • Pilot Testing and Feedback: We piloted Afya Track in select rural healthcare facilities, gathering feedback from both healthcare providers and patients. This iterative process allows us to continuously improve the platform to better serve the needs of the communities.
  • Ongoing Collaboration: Afya Track fosters ongoing collaboration with community stakeholders through workshops, training sessions, and feedback mechanisms. This ensures the platform remains relevant and addresses the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

Beyond Technology:

While Afya Track leverages technology, we recognize the importance of human connection and trust. Our team members actively engage with communities to raise awareness about the platform, address concerns about data privacy, and promote positive behavior changes related to healthcare seeking.

Which dimension of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?
  • Ensure health-related data is collected ethically and effectively, and that AI and other insights are accurate, targeted, and actionable.
Which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals does your solution address?
  • 1. No Poverty
  • 3. Good Health and Well-Being
  • 10. Reduced Inequalities
  • 15. Life on Land
  • 17. Partnerships for the Goals
What is your solution’s stage of development?
  • Pilot
Please share details about why you selected the stage above.

Afya Track: Progress in the Pilot Stage

Afya Track is currently in the pilot stage, actively demonstrating our commitment to building a solution with a strong foundation. Here's why we selected this stage:

  • Functional Prototype: We've developed a functional prototype of the Afya Track platform that incorporates secure data collection, patient portals, and communication tools for healthcare providers.
  • Pilot Testing: The platform has undergone successful pilot testing in select rural healthcare facilities in Tanzania. This involved healthcare professionals and patients, allowing us to gather valuable feedback on usability, functionality, and user experience.
  • Early User Validation: Through pilot testing, we've validated the core functionalities of Afya Track and received positive feedback from both healthcare providers and patients. This demonstrates the potential of the platform to improve access to care and collaboration in underserved communities.
  • Data Security and Privacy: We've prioritized data security and privacy throughout the development process. We've implemented industry-standard encryption methods and secured user authentication protocols during the pilot stage.

Focus on User Feedback and Improvement:

The pilot stage has been crucial in identifying areas for improvement and tailoring the platform to the specific needs of our target population. We've actively addressed feedback from healthcare professionals regarding functionalities that enhance care coordination and patient data visibility. We've also ensured the patient interface is user-friendly and accessible in local languages.

Number of Beneficiaries:

While Afya Track is still in the pilot stage, the initial implementation has served a limited number of healthcare providers and patients in the pilot facilities. However, the positive feedback and successful testing pave the way for wider implementation and reaching a much larger number of beneficiaries in the future.

Looking Forward:

We are committed to continuous improvement based on pilot testing results and ongoing user feedback. This ensures Afya Track remains a user-centric solution that effectively addresses the challenges faced by underserved communities.

Why are you applying to Solve?

Afya Track at MIT Solve: Building a Sustainable Solution for Africa

Afya Track is thrilled to apply to the MIT Solve Challenge because we believe our solution holds immense potential to transform healthcare access in Africa, particularly for underserved communities. However, we recognize there are several hurdles to overcome for large-scale, sustainable implementation. Here's how MIT Solve's support can empower Afya Track to break down these barriers:

Scaling Up and Overcoming Market Barriers:

  • Funding: Afya Track requires additional funding to expand pilot programs, invest in infrastructure, and develop marketing strategies for wider adoption by healthcare facilities across Tanzania and potentially other African nations. Support from Solve's network of investors and donors can provide the critical resources needed to scale our solution and reach millions who lack access to quality healthcare.
  • Market Adoption: Gaining widespread adoption within the healthcare sector requires navigating complex market dynamics and building trust with potential partners. Solve's expertise in connecting Solver teams with relevant stakeholders can introduce Afya Track to key decision-makers in Tanzanian healthcare, facilitating partnerships and accelerating adoption.

Technical Expertise and Capacity Building:

  • Data Security and Privacy: Maintaining robust data security measures is paramount. Solve's network of technical experts can provide valuable guidance on best practices and emerging technologies to ensure Afya Track remains at the forefront of data security and privacy within the healthcare sector.
  • Platform Optimization: Afya Track is continuously evolving based on user feedback. Collaboration with technical specialists at Solve can help refine the platform's functionalities, enhance user experience, and potentially integrate with existing healthcare IT systems in the region.

Building a Sustainable Model and Addressing Legal Considerations:

  • Sustainability Strategy: Afya Track is committed to long-term sustainability. Solve's mentorship and access to industry leaders can guide us in developing a robust revenue model that ensures continued platform maintenance and expansion, ultimately reducing dependence on grants and donor funding.
  • Navigating Legal Landscapes: Expanding Afya Track across borders requires navigating complex legal frameworks related to data privacy and healthcare regulations. Solve's legal experts can provide guidance and connect us with relevant resources to ensure seamless compliance in different African countries.

Why Afya Track is More Than Just Funding:

Afya Track recognizes that the value proposition of Solve extends far beyond financial support. We seek to leverage the comprehensive support network offered by Solve, including mentorship, technical expertise, and connections to potential stakeholders. This holistic approach is crucial for scaling our solution effectively and overcoming the various barriers prevalent in the African healthcare landscape.

Afya Track's Commitment to Social Impact:

Our ultimate goal is not just financial success, but creating a lasting impact on the lives of millions in Africa. By becoming part of the Solve community, Afya Track aims to learn from other Solver teams, share best practices, and contribute to a collaborative effort to address global health equity challenges.

In which of the following areas do you most need partners or support?
  • Financial (e.g. accounting practices, pitching to investors)
  • Legal or Regulatory Matters
  • Monitoring & Evaluation (e.g. collecting/using data, measuring impact)
  • Public Relations (e.g. branding/marketing strategy, social and global media)
Who is the Team Lead for your solution?
Deogratius Mahendeka
More About Your Solution
Your Team
Your Business Model & Funding
Solution Team:
Deogratius Mahendeka
Deogratius Mahendeka