Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Natal Cares is a digital healthcare startup that leverages on the power of Mobile Technology, Machine Learning and Low Cost Innovation to combat maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Natal Cares is a digital healthcare startup that leverages on the power of Mobile Technology, Machine Learning and Low Cost Innovation to combat maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria. Primarily focusing on providing Medically Certified Live-Saving Healthcare Information in preferred local languages using SMS and VOICE NOTES, Mental and Emotional Healthcare Support, Training for Birth Attendants, Provision of Sterile Birthing Supplies, Medical Monitoring and Emergency Services to at-risk pregnant women, vulnerable children and nursing mothers reaching them in their hometowns and villages and advocating for better access to healthcare at primary healthcare centers especially in Under-served communities to ensure universal healthcare coverage.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

According to W.H.O, Nigeria stands as one of the world's most riskiest countries for childbirth, contributing to 19% of global maternal and child deaths. UNICEF reports that Nigeria loses 2,300 children under five and 145 women daily due to pregnancy and delivery complications, making it the LARGEST contributor to global under-five and maternal mortality rates. Our research indicates that a staggering 85% of this mortality is concentrated in underserved rural communities in Nigeria due to three major root causes. Natal Cares aims to address these three major root causes: 4. The healthcare and information gap, leaving Nigerian women susceptible to superstitions and unhealthy childbirth practices. 5. Unhealthy childbirth practices by untrained community healthcare providers in vulnerable communities. 6. Lack of child vaccination, contributing to mortality among children aged 0-5.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

1. Natal Cares provides medically certified health information to pregnant women and nursing mothers in preferred local languages using SMS and VOICE NOTES accessible on all kinds of mobile phones. This helps them to make informed healthcare decisions regarding their health and that of their babies. 2. Natal Cares provides training for frontline health workers and Traditional birth Attendants on latest delivery practices to increase their skillset, knowledge of best practices and build their capacity. 3. Natal Cares provides pregnant women with comprehensive delivery kits as well as training to frontline health workers which help to ensure that pregnant women do not have to risk their lives and that of their new-borns during childbirth. 4. We provide placements for internship, Volunteers and Job opportunities for graduates, undergraduates and young people in the community. 5. Natal Cares supports the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3)

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

1. EXPECTANT MOTHERS: Our primary focus is on pregnant women, particularly those in under-served communities, who seek healthcare solutions for comprehensive prenatal care, guidance, and support. 2. NEW MOTHERS: We cater to women who have recently given birth, offering postnatal care services and ongoing support during the critical postpartum period. 3. VULNERABLE CHILDREN (0-5 years old): Our concern extends to vulnerable children aged 0-5, emphasizing early childhood health and development. 4. TRADITIONAL BIRTH ATTENDANTS: We contribute to community health by training traditional birth attendants in the latest delivery practices, enhancing their skillset and knowledge of best practices in maternal care.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-11-15

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Joy Chioma is a Medical Doctor, an SDG Health Advocate, Co-Founder/Head of Operations at NATAL CARES. She is a mobile health enthusiast with great passion in Public health. Joy is a graduate of the Federal University of Technology Akure. Having carried out her National Youth Service (NYSC) in a rural community in Adamawa State Nigeria, she had first-hand experience of what pregnant women and nursing mothers face during and after pregnancy. Since then, she has developed an undying passion to use the power of mobile technology and low-cost innovations in bridging the healthcare gap between rural under-served communities and the Urban Communities of Nigeria. In recognition of her outstanding impacts towards combating maternal and infant mortality in Africa through NATAL CARES, She was awarded the Prestigious 2020 United Nations World Summit Awards (WSA): Young Innovator Award Category: Making her so far the only Female to have ever won the Award in Nigeria:

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://www.natalcares.com

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

f) Healthcare (healthcare equipment and services)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

NATAL CARES significantly contributes to the Good Health and Well-being goal (SDG 3) by addressing critical gaps in maternal and child healthcare, particularly in underserved and rural communities. Through our innovative mobile messaging platform, we provide accessible prenatal, postnatal, and pediatric healthcare messages in local languages using SMS and VOICE NOTES, ensuring that mothers and children receive essential health services regardless of their location. Our comprehensive delivery kits, which include WHO-recommended supplies, promote safe and hygienic childbirth practices. Additionally, we train traditional birth attendants in modern delivery techniques and best practices, enhancing local capacity and ensuring safer deliveries. These efforts collectively reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, improve health outcomes, and empower communities with the knowledge and resources necessary for sustained well-being, aligning directly with the objectives of SDG 3.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

4

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

3

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

3

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

At NATAL CARES, we have developed a disruptive prevention and care delivery model and a unique proprietary technology which can help to replicate my model in other countries with key partners involvement. We have also developed a NATAL CARES SAVING SCHEME: an ingenious multifaceted payment model that helps our users who lack access to traditional banking to conveniently pay for our solution and also empower them to start or expand their own small businesses. We provide behavioral change modification using continuous health education and information via our SMS and VOICE Platforms. Therefore, connecting offline and online care for improved maternal and child health. We build strong support systems for mothers using the power of social networking and low cost innovations. This makes it easy for mothers to access services they care about in real time.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

COMPETITORS 1. MOMSPRING 2. MY BELLE WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT Natal Cares provides a Holistic solution that works across the entire care continuum (including education, prevention, detection, treatment, management, follow-up) to help improve maternal and child health and reduce the risk of maternal deaths and other adverse perinatal outcome. We provide behavioral change modification using continuous health education and information via our SMS and VOICE Platforms. Therefore, connecting offline and online care for improved maternal and child health. We build strong support systems for mothers using the power of social networking and low cost innovations. This makes it easy for mothers to access services they care about in real time. At NATAL CARES, Not only have we developed a disruptive prevention and care delivery model, but we have also developed a unique proprietary technology that helps to replicate our model in other countries to help achieve Universal Healthcare Coverage.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, as the CEO/Founder of NATAL CARES, I am actively initiating actions within our community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs. Here are a few examples: Mentorship Programs: We have established mentorship programs that pair experienced female entrepreneurs with aspiring women in the community. This initiative provides guidance, support, and valuable networking opportunities to help them succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Workshops and Training: NATAL CARES organizes regular workshops and training sessions focused on business skills, financial literacy, and digital marketing. These sessions are designed to empower women with the knowledge and skills needed to start and grow their own businesses. Community Networking Events: We host networking events that bring together female entrepreneurs, local business leaders, and community members. These events foster collaboration, share success stories, and create a supportive community for women in business.