Obesity and prediabetes are significant public health issues in Africa and the Middle East because they affect over 40% of the population in these regions. Diabetes affects twenty percent of adults in Egypt, whereas thirty percent of individuals in Saudi Arabia have the disease. Diabetes affects one out of every 17 adults in Nigeria. The problems of prediabetes and obesity are becoming increasingly common. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that most of these health problems may be avoided by controlling and observing one’s lifestyle.
It is impossible to overestimate the relevance of the Egyptian health technology business, Almouneer, within the framework of this discussion. The platform, which aims to change healthcare for patients struggling with diabetes and obesity, has invested $3.6 million to accomplish its purpose.
The first funding came from Global Ventures, located in Dubai. Other notable foreign funds and investors took part, including Proparco and Digital Africa through the Bridge Fund, Wrightwood Investments from the United Kingdom (the family office of Diane and Henry Engelhardt), and several other international investors.
Almouneer has revealed that most of the cash it raises will be used to assist in the development and growth of DRU, which it describes as the “first patient-centric, digitally-enabled lifestyle and diabetes management platform in the Middle East and Africa.” Almouneer will distribute these funds according to the disclosure. By linking patients with physicians and a vast network of healthcare professionals across the country through its mobile application, the platform plays a significant role in the prevention and management of diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity.
In an interview with TechCrunch, Almouneer’s co-founder and CEO, Noha Khater, stated that the seed investment will make it easier to recruit highly skilled individuals to work for the company. In addition, the company is investigating the possibility of expanding its product line into nearby markets in Africa and the Middle East. The healthcare provider is set to grow its business in Nigeria, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates in the coming year.
After substantial expansion for Almouneer, the company has pursued more funding. The Giza-based company operates out of a network of nine hospitals and clinics throughout Egypt, caring for over 120,000 patients. According to Khater, the health technology company doubled its business volumes and revenue data over the previous year.
From eye care to treatment for diabetics, we do it all.
Khater first had the idea for Almouneer in 2017 as a collection of cutting-edge medical facilities focusing on ophthalmology. According to the chief executive officer’s interview with TechCrunch, she founded the firm based on the first-hand expertise she had while working as an ophthalmologist and practicing physician. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, Khater pursued his education in the United States, where the high standard of medical treatment profoundly moved him. Patients had unhindered access to every piece of medical information about them, and the quality of contact with their respective healthcare professionals was exceptional. The thorough documentation of even the most basic medical procedures completely blew her mind and had a significant impact on her.
The fact that she could observe such a high standard of medical treatment in the United States inspired her to work toward achieving comparable advantages for the people of Egypt. Because of this desire, she decided to start Almouneer alongside Rania Kadry. Kadry is the Chief Technology Officer of the firm, and she brings her expertise in economics and social science computers with her.
Even though I specialized in treating the retina, the majority of my patients had diabetes. You are aware that the course of treatment for a chronic patient might be challenging. Diabetes is a lifelong condition that affects a significant portion of the world’s population. And because so many people experience both highs and lows, there is always a need for reassurance,” Khater added. “Whether it be in terms of communicating with the doctor, asking a question, or making sure that your data and medical records are in good shape. As a result, it was abundantly clear that Egypt did not have this sort of service, and the ones that did exist were in deplorable condition. A typical diabetic or chronic patient will have many doctors treating them at numerous locations, and as a result, they will lose track of their medical history. Having all of this in a single place, such as in your pocket, was, therefore, lacking. Given that Egypt’s population has almost reached 110 million, you can imagine how many people this issue will affect.
The DRU application
Following the successful operation of technology-enabled ophthalmology clinics, Almouneer expanded its services to include those for patients who have diabetes and chronic diseases. After that, it transitioned from operating digital clinics to providing operational assistance for outside healthcare providers and professionals. In this role, Almouneer is responsible for the deployment of all-encompassing practice management software, which includes integrated financial, electronic medical records, and booking systems.
This transition also occurred at the same time as the DRU app, which is focused on the patient, was introduced. Patients can submit their medical information to DRU, which may include crucial statistics such as their blood sugar and blood pressure readings. The app gives users access to their most recent medical data and the prescriptions they are now taking, and it also enables their physicians to check these details. Additionally, consumers can communicate with healthcare professionals via voice or text chat thanks to the app’s teleconsultation features, available through a paid membership.
Because of both of these factors, a significant number of people from both Africa and the Middle East travel to Egypt for medical care. There are two reasons: first, this area’s reasonable prices, and second, the quality of the local medical professionals. When patients go back to their homes after receiving treatment, one of the most challenging issues they face is keeping in contact with their physicians or other healthcare providers, according to the chief executive officer (CEO). Even if they do, they are not provided with the same care or attention they would receive if they arrived by plane. Therefore, they can submit their medical information and the most recent test results using the app. It is also helpful when having chats with the physicians, which prevents them from having to fly back to Egypt periodically for follow-ups.
Increasing the number of products available
However, according to Khater, Almouneer plans to increase the breadth and depth of its services. The health technology company, already six years old, intends to provide patient-customized treatment and nutrition regimens within the next several months. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes and obesity have the option to subscribe to individualized regimens that emphasize improving their blood pressure and blood sugar levels. The money for Almouneer comes from subscriptions and these tailored plan purchases. The health technology company will also deduct a portion of the commissions it earns from the fees it charges physicians for referrals, and it intends to add money from marketplace transactions to the mix. Patients can connect with critical consumables such as diet plans, glucose monitors, blood sugar strip monitors, care goods for their extremities, and more through the marketplace.
In the meantime, the initial investment will play a significant role in expanding the use of the DRU app, which was just recently introduced. In addition to this, it will concentrate on growing the provider ecosystem so that it includes physicians, health coaches, laboratories, and nutritionists (among which it will introduce the DRU app for physicians in the first quarter of 2024).
“Over the years, we have had the privilege of working with a stellar group of healthcare entrepreneurs who materially improve patients’ lives worldwide, enhancing access, quality, and the cost of care.” The founder and managing partner of Global Ventures, Noor Sweid, observed the following: “Noha and Rania are now members of this group. We are thrilled to be working alongside them as they apply their specific knowledge in the areas of business development and chronic care to the challenge of addressing a widespread health problem that is prevalent throughout the Middle East and Africa. “Almouneer is a one-of-a-kind and essential innovation that is on its way to fulfilling its mission of becoming the lifelong companion of diabetic patients in the region.”
