From Personal Struggle to Healthcare Transformation: The Journey of Dr. Funmi Adewara
Dr. Funmi Adewara’s journey into the world of healthcare began with a deeply personal experience. Growing up in northern Nigeria, she suffered a severe hand injury as a child, which required multiple surgeries and frequent hospital visits. These trips exposed her to the stark realities of Nigeria’s overburdened healthcare system. She recalls the overcrowded waiting rooms and the overwhelming demands placed on healthcare providers, who were stretched thin trying to meet the needs of countless patients. These early experiences ignited a fire within her—a passion to transform healthcare in Africa and ensure that access to quality care becomes a necessity, not a privilege.
Adewara’s understanding of healthcare challenges deepened through her mother, a nurse who shared stories of the system’s struggles. These insights fueled her determination to make a difference. “I knew early on that healthcare wasn’t a privilege—it was a necessity, and I wanted to be part of changing the system,” she explains. After training as a physician, Adewara spent 15 years working in the UK’s National Health Service. However, her ultimate vision was to bring transformative change to Africa. In 2017, she founded Mobihealth, a telemedicine platform designed to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers across Nigeria and beyond.
Since its launch, Mobihealth has made a significant impact, connecting thousands of patients with doctors and healthcare professionals. The platform operates 20 integrated telehealth clinics, offering remote consultations, diagnostics, and access to specialist care through digital health tools. Located primarily in Nigeria, these clinics provide affordable healthcare solutions, often financed through partnerships with global donor organizations and private donors. Additionally, Mobihealth collaborates with over 200 hospitals, labs, and pharmacies, expanding its reach and improving access to care.
The platform has gained global recognition for its innovative approach. In 2022, Mobihealth received a $1 million grant from the US Trade and Development Agency, and Adewara was honored as one of the World Bank’s 2020 SDGs & Her award winners, selected from over 2,400 entries worldwide. These achievements highlight the potential of telemedicine to address some of Africa’s most pressing healthcare challenges.
The State of Healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa
The need for innovative solutions like Mobihealth is underscored by the stark realities of healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the World Health Organization, the region bears 25% of the global disease burden but has only 3% of the world’s healthcare workers. Millions of people struggle to access basic healthcare, with rural areas facing the greatest disparities. “In rural Africa, a trip to the nearest hospital can mean the difference between life and death,” Adewara says.
To address this, Mobihealth has introduced an initiative offering healthcare services for just $1 a month, targeting rural and underserved populations. The program allows Africans in the diaspora—and global supporters—to sponsor essential services like doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and access to telemedicine clinics. While the initiative is not solely donation-based, individuals can also subscribe to the service for themselves, ensuring sustainability.
Telemedicine: The Future of Healthcare in Africa
Adewara views telemedicine as more than a temporary solution—it represents the future of healthcare in Africa. By leveraging technology, Mobihealth connects rural patients with doctors thousands of miles away, improving access to care and reducing the strain on overburdened healthcare systems. “This is about creating a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive system, where people, no matter where they are, can access the care they need,” she explains.
The integration of AI and remote monitoring further enhances the platform’s capabilities, improving the speed and accuracy of care and saving lives in the process. While other African companies also provide telemedicine services, researchers have identified several challenges that could hinder the growth of telemedicine on the continent. These include unreliable electricity supplies, poor internet connectivity in rural areas, and a lack of government policies and funding for virtual healthcare.
Scaling Impact Across Africa
Despite these challenges, Adewara remains committed to scaling Mobihealth’s model to reach millions more across Africa. Her vision extends beyond Nigeria to countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Ivory Coast. “Our work is just beginning,” she says. “We are building a healthcare system for the future—one that is resilient, inclusive, and capable of meeting the needs of Africa’s growing population.”
To achieve this vision, partnerships are crucial. Adewara emphasizes the importance of collaborations with the African diaspora, hospitals, governments, and international organizations. “We can’t do this alone,” she adds. “Our partnerships allow us to reach more people and ensure that healthcare is affordable, efficient, and accessible.” By bridging the gap between patients and providers, Mobihealth is paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future for Africa.
Conclusion: A Vision for Healthcare Equity
Dr. Funmi Adewara’s journey from a childhood marked by personal struggle to becoming a pioneer in African healthcare is a testament to the power of determination and innovation. Through Mobihealth, she is transforming the way healthcare is delivered in Africa, ensuring that no one is left behind. While the road ahead is not without challenges, Adewara’s vision of a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive healthcare system offers hope for millions across the continent. As telemedicine continues to grow, it is clear that the future of healthcare in Africa is bright—and Dr. Funmi Adewara is leading the way.
