Cameroonian health startup Waspito has recently secured a $2.5 million seed extension led by DP World in collaboration with Newtown Partners, Saviu Ventures, AAIC Investment, Axian Ventures, and CFAO’s Health54. This fresh infusion of capital aims to catalyze the company's expansion across the Francophone region.

Waspito functions as a health-centric social network enabling patients to connect and consult with certified doctors through video calls. Beyond consultations, the platform facilitates sample collection from homes and the delivery of prescribed medication.

Established in 2020 by Jean Lobe Lobe, just as the global health crisis unfolded, Waspito embarked on its mission to democratize healthcare access. Unlike conventional telemedicine platforms, Waspito offers instant video consultations rather than scheduling appointments in advance.

Jean Lobe Lobe

According to Lobe, when users access the platform, termed "Facebook for healthcare," they can directly choose from available doctors for immediate consultation. For medical tests suggested by physicians, the platform arranges for sample collection by partnering with local laboratories. Additionally, Waspito collaborates with regional hospitals to aid patients requiring in-depth reviews or admission post-consultation.

Payments for consultations are processed through multiple options, including insurance, incentivizing doctors to remain online for additional earnings. Furthermore, users have the opportunity to anonymously join disease support groups for personalized advice.

Lobe emphasizes the significance of maintaining online doctor availability, particularly in countries with scarce medical professionals, citing data indicating less than two doctors per 10,000 individuals in the target regions.

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Waspito, recognized as the best health startup in Africa at this year’s VivaTech awards, reports reaching approximately 650,000 users in Cameroon and Ivory Coast. The platform has onboarded 950 doctors and facilitated over 60,000 consultations.

To expand its reach to offline populations, Waspito is implementing a hybrid model in Ivory Coast, establishing mini-clinics within the branch network of La Poste Corporation, the country's national postal service. These sites, manned by nurses, enable patients to connect with doctors virtually and access various healthcare services offered by partners.

Recognizing the limited online presence across Africa due to internet and smartphone costs, Waspito plans to introduce this hybrid approach in Cameroon and Senegal by the first quarter of next year. The startup collaborated with fundraising advisory firm Raisers during this recent funding round.

Lobe underscores the importance of inclusivity in healthcare, emphasizing that these mini-clinics represent a critical approach to reach underserved populations