GAPhealth - Own your health

GAPhealth Technologies is addressing the problem of limited access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services in Ghana and The Gambia, where factors such as poor healthcare infrastructure, cultural norms, and access to transportation disproportionately affect young people, especially adolescent girls and young women. This problem is part of a larger global issue, with millions of women in low- and middle-income countries facing unmet SRHR needs, resulting in health complications, and unwanted pregnancies. 

According to UNFPA Ghana, between 2016 and 2020, Ghana recorded 542,131 pregnancies amongst adolescent girls aged 15-19. This high birth rate among adolescents highlights the need for improved SRHR services in Ghana. Globally, maternal mortality is a significant concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

GAPhealth Technologies' solution involves providing accessible, culturally specific, and data-driven SRHR services through a telehealth platform accessible on Android, iOS, and USSD. The goal is to improve SRHR outcomes for young people in Ghana and The Gambia while serving as a model for innovative solutions that can benefit people globally facing similar SRHR access challenges.

GAPhealth Technologies provides a comprehensive telehealth platform accessible through mobile and web applications to deliver accessible and personalized sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services for young people in Ghana and The Gambia. The user-friendly app is available on both Android and iOS devices, serving as a direct connection between young individuals and healthcare providers. Through this platform, users can access SRHR information and services, receive medication reminders, and have consultations with healthcare providers, all conveniently using their smartphones or basic phones via USSD. This solution aims to bridge the gap in SRHR services and provide essential support to young people in these underserved regions.

Example: We send certain reminders to diabetes patients for taking medication but it also comes with information bits about eating or avoiding certain foods for this condition. Since the platform is already functioning we can repurpose it to send SRHR information along with alerts for birth control of whichever medication young patients are currently prescribed for.

GAPhealth Technologies serves individuals with phones, including adolescents and young adults, who often lack access to accurate sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services. These individuals are underserved in several ways:

• Inadequate Healthcare Infrastructure: Limited healthcare facilities and professionals, especially in remote areas, make accessing SRHR services challenging. This includes long hospital queues, making it difficult for young people to receive timely care.

• Transportation Barriers: High transportation costs and poor transportation networks further isolate young people from healthcare centers, limiting their access to quality healthcare. This is particularly challenging for those in rural areas.

• Cultural Norms and Stigmatization: Cultural norms and taboos in African countries often lead to stigma and discrimination, which deter young people from seeking SRHR care due to fears of judgment and social consequences.

GAPhealth Technologies addresses these needs in the following ways:

• Accessible Telehealth Platform: The company provides accessible SRHR services through its telehealth platform, which can be accessed via Android, iOS and USSD. This bypasses transportation and infrastructure barriers, allowing young people to access vital information and services from the convenience of their mobile devices.

• Culturally Specific Content: Gap Health Technologies offers culturally specific SRHR content that respects local customs and values. This approach enhances engagement of the community and ensures that the information provided is relevant and relatable to the target population.

• AI-Enhanced Personalization: The use of AI in health data analytics allows for personalized SRHR care and information. This ensures that young people receive timely and relevant guidance based on their individual needs and circumstances.

• Data Security Measures: The platform implements data security measures to maintain user confidentiality and privacy. This alleviates concerns about stigma and judgment, as young people can seek information and services without the fear of their personal information being compromised.

In summary, GAPHealth Technologies aims to serve young individuals in Ghana and The Gambia by addressing their specific challenges in accessing SRHR services, focusing on accessibility, cultural sensitivity, personalization, and data security. This comprehensive approach is intended to significantly impact the lives of these young people by improving their access to essential SRHR information and care.

GAPhealth Technologies and its team are well-positioned to deliver this solution for several reasons:

• Local Engagement and Experience: The marketing lead's experience in engaging with underprivileged young people in Takoradi, especially through the Corp Nation Foundation, provides valuable insights into the needs and challenges of the target population. This experience will be crucial in effectively reaching out to and equipping young women with SRHR information and services.

• Partnerships with Local Health Providers: Gap Health Technologies' partnerships with local health providers are essential for understanding the specific needs and dynamics of the communities they serve. These partnerships facilitate a collaborative approach to delivering SRHR services and ensure that the solution is aligned with local healthcare practices and regulations.

• Cultural Understanding: The programs coordinator in The Gambia, who was raised and works in the country, has developed a strong understanding of the local culture, traditions, and healthcare challenges. This deep cultural awareness is instrumental in tailoring SRHR services to the local context and building community trust.

• Diverse Team Expertise: Gap Health Technologies benefits from a team with diverse backgrounds, including healthcare, technology, and community engagement. This diversity of expertise allows the team to approach SRHR challenges from multiple angles, ensuring a holistic and effective solution.

• Personal and Professional Ties: Many team members have personal or professional ties to Ghana and The Gambia, which foster a genuine commitment to improving the SRHR outcomes of the young population in these regions. This personal connection enhances the team's motivation and understanding of the local context.

Overall, GAPhealth Technologies' team possesses the relevant skills, local knowledge, cultural understanding, and partnerships to successfully deliver a solution that addresses the SRHR needs of young people in Ghana and the The Gambia.

• 1000 Active Members (patients)
• 56 Health Providers 
• 1 Research Institute of a 3-year study 

GAPhealth Technologies offers an innovative solution in the field of healthcare, particularly in remote health care, to address the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for young people in Ghana and Gambia. Here's what makes their solution innovative:

• Telehealth and Health Data Tracking: GAPhealth Technologies leverages telehealth and health data tracking software tools powered by data analytics. This innovative approach enables remote access to healthcare services, data-driven insights, and improved health outcomes.

• Patient-Centred Approach: GAPhealth Technologies strongly emphasises a patient-centred approach, tailoring SRHR solutions to young people's specific needs and preferences. This focus on culturally specific care ensures that the services are relatable and engaging, leading to better outcomes.

• Multi-Platform Accessibility: The solution is available on both mobile and web-based applications for Android and iOS devices, making it highly accessible to a broad range of users. A USSD option is also available, allowing people with basic phones to access the services. This multi-platform approach promotes inclusivity and widens the availability of healthcare services.

• Data Analytics: GAPhealth Technologies incorporates data analytics into its solution, allowing for the collection and analysis of data. This research component helps better understand young people's challenges in accessing SRHR services and can drive data-driven solutions to address these challenges. This research potential has broader implications in the healthcare and research space.

In summary, GAPhealth Technologies offers an innovative, multi-faceted solution that leverages technology, data analytics, and a patient-centered approach to address the specific SRHR needs of young people in Ghana and the Gambia. It not only improves access to healthcare but also has the potential to drive positive impacts in the broader healthcare and research sectors.

GAPhealthTechnologies has set ambitious impact goals for the next year and the next five years:

Next Year (1 Year Goals):

1. Expansion to New Cities: The goal is to reach two new cities in Ghana and the Gambia, increasing the geographical coverage of their services and reaching more underserved areas.

2. User Growth: They aim to triple their current user base, specifically targeting areas with limited access to SRHR care. This demonstrates a commitment to expanding their reach and impact.

3. User Engagement: Increasing user engagement through data-driven content and culturally specific health information will be a priority. This will ensure that the information and services provided are relevant and compelling to the target population.

Next Five Years (5-Year Goals):

1. User Expansion: Over the next five years, GAPhealth Technologies aims to further increase its user base, reaching a larger audience not only in Ghana and the Gambia but also expanding to new locations across Africa, including Nigeria and South Africa.

2. Community Engagement and Research Impact: The company plans to enhance its community engagement efforts and contribute to evidence-based research on SRHR. This demonstrates a commitment to generating knowledge and best practices in the field.

3. Data-Driven Outcomes: Gap Health Technologies envisions using health data analytics to personalize care and track progress. This data-driven approach will enable them to improve the SRHR outcomes of young people, making a significant impact on healthcare.

To achieve these goals, GAPhealthTechnologies will rely on a combination of strategies, including forming strategic partnerships, increasing user engagement, encouraging community participation, and leveraging data for informed decision-making. Additionally, raising awareness about their services and the importance of SRHR will play a crucial role in achieving these objectives. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the company's commitment to making a lasting impact in the field of SRHR across Africa.

GAPhealth Technologies aims to make a positive impact on the problem of limited access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services and information for young people in Ghana and Gambia. Here's how and why they expect their solution to have an impact, explained simply:

How?

1. Immediate Outputs: They currently provide remote healthcare services, including medication reminders, and offer SRHR content tailored to the local culture. They are also exploring data analytics to provide personalized care.

2. Short-Term Outcomes: By offering these services, they aim to increase access to SRHR information and raise awareness. This, in turn, can help reduce unwanted pregnancies and infections while increasing engagement with SRHR care.

3. Long-Term Outcomes (3-5 years): They plan to expand their services to underserved areas, establish partnerships, and involve communities in advocacy efforts. This long-term approach aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and seeks to empower young women economically.

Why?

• Geographical Barriers: Their services can be accessed from anywhere, removing the challenge of physical distance to healthcare facilities.

• Culturally Specific Content: By providing information that respects local customs and values, they make the content more relatable and engaging for young people.

• Data-Driven Personalization: They aim to use data to tailor care to each individual's specific needs, ensuring that the guidance provided is timely and relevant.

• Building Partnerships: Collaborating with local healthcare providers and communities enhances their reach and impact.

• Evidence-Based Research: Conducting research in the field of SRHR contributes to better understanding and informs strategies for positive change.

In simple terms, GAPhealth Technologies expects to make a difference by providing easy access to SRHR information and care, making it relevant to local culture, and using data and research to continuously improve their services. This approach aims to empower young people and contribute to positive changes in SRHR outcomes in Ghana and Gambia.

• 4 Full- time 
• 2 Part-time
• 1 Contractor

• The co-founders started working on health solutions in 2019 
• First Contractor in 2019
• Proof-of-concept in 2020
• Company registered in 2021
• First Full-time hire in 2021

GAPhealth Technologies is committed to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into their work through the following approaches:

1. Diversity in Leadership: The leadership of Gap Health Technologies includes members from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Bintuo, representing Gambia, and Mercy, representing Ghana, bring a variety of perspectives to the decision-making process. This diversity in leadership enhances the organization's ability to understand and address the unique needs and challenges of the communities they serve.

2. Equity Goals: Gap Health Technologies promotes equity by ensuring that their solution is accessible to all community members, regardless of background, gender, age, or economic status. This is achieved by offering their services on both Android and iOS platforms and providing a USSD version for basic phone users. By offering multiple access points, they aim to bridge the digital divide and provide healthcare information and services to a broad and diverse audience.

3. Local Hiring: All the staff at Gap Health Technologies are from Ghana and Gambia. This commitment to local hiring not only provides employment opportunities within the communities they serve but also enhances cultural competence. Having team members who are representative of the local communities ensures a deeper understanding of cultural norms, values, and healthcare challenges, ultimately improving the effectiveness of their services.

By incorporating these strategies, Gap Health Technologies demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in their work, ensuring that their solution is accessible and relevant to a wide range of individuals and communities in Ghana and Gambia.

GAPhealth Technologies operates under a business model that provides telehealth and health data tracking software tools powered by data analytics, primarily targeting two main groups: health providers and patients, with a focus on young women in Ghana and Gambia. Here's a breakdown of their business model:

Products and Services:

1. Telehealth Platform: Gap Health Technologies offers a telehealth platform that provides a range of services, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information, consultations, data-driven personalization, and community engagement.

2. Research Institute: The company has a research institute that contributes to evidence-based research in the healthcare field. This includes collaborations with research institutions to conduct studies and generate valuable insights.

How Services Are Provided:

• Users access the platform through mobile apps or USSD, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals, including those with basic phones.
• Healthcare providers access the platform through mobile apps and computers, allowing them to extend their reach and deliver healthcare services.

Why They Want or Need Them:

• Patients seek access to general healthcare services, consultations, and medication reminders, among other healthcare needs.
• Young people, particularly women, need access to SRHR information and services to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
• Local healthcare providers benefit from the platform by extending their reach and generating revenue through service delivery.

Revenue Model:

1. Percentage from Providers: Gap Health Technologies generates revenue by taking a percentage of the fees paid by healthcare providers who use their platform to connect with and serve patients. This incentivizes providers to use the platform.

2. Partnership Fees: Local healthcare providers pay partnership fees to collaborate with Gap Health Technologies and use their platform to deliver services to patients.

3. Research Collaborations: The company earns revenue through research collaborations with institutions, contributing to evidence-based research in the healthcare field.

Overall, GAPhealth Technologies' business model revolves around connecting patients, healthcare providers, and researchers through their telehealth platform, while generating revenue through partnerships, service usage fees, and research collaborations. This model aims to improve access to healthcare services and research while promoting sustainability for the organization.

GAPhealth Technologies has a clear plan for achieving financial sustainability, which includes the following strategies:

• User Fees: The company charges a percentage of the revenues that healthcare providers generate through their platform. This includes fees for consultations and other services provided to users. This revenue stream not only incentivizes healthcare providers to use their platform but also allows Gap Health Technologies to earn income from the services provided.

• Partnership Fees: Local healthcare providers, such as hospitals and clinics, can join Gap Health Technologies' platform by paying a monthly fee. This fee-based partnership model not only generates direct income for the company but also expands the reach and availability of healthcare services on their platform, contributing to its sustainability.

Research Collaborations: GAPhealth Technologies collaborates with research institutions, universities, and organizations on research projects related to the impact of their platform. These research collaborations bring in funds to support their work and contribute to their understanding of the impact of their services. This not only enhances their financial sustainability but also reinforces the credibility of their platform in the healthcare and research sectors.