How My Father’s Death from Uncontrolled Hypertension Led Me to Co-found mDoc

45 million people in Africa are expected to die prematurely from preventable and manageable non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and my dad was no exception. I lost my father, Prof. Oliver Mobisson -  a brilliant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering who helped to set up the first science and technology university in Nigeria - , from the sequelae of a massive stroke that he had at the age of 52. His premature, preventable death was in part, due to his lack of access to a supportive care team to help manage his uncontrolled high blood pressure. Sadly, this story is far too common. In the past decade alone, over 28 million people in sub-Saharan Africa have died from chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. If current trends continue, this number will double in the next ten years.

 

Global funding has only contributed 2% to all NCDs over the last decade, leading to inadequate screening, diagnosis, and ineffective management of chronic conditions. Additionally, people with NCDs often lack the support and self-efficacy needed to manage their conditions outside of healthcare facilities. This is where mDoc steps in. Recognizing the power of mobile technology and WHO-endorsed lifestyle modifications, mDoc leverages digital tools to help individuals focus on adopting lifelong habits and lifestyle changes.

 

Fueled by the grief over my father’s untimely death and the unchanging status quo for many others with undiagnosed, unmanaged chronic health conditions in Africa, I co-founded mDoc Healthcare with Imo Etuk in 2016. mDoc is a digital healthcare social enterprise that provides self-care support to people with chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and mental health needs. Our approach combines technology with in-person interactions to spread knowledge and self-management healthcare services to both patients and providers.

 

Our Four-Pillar Approach is:

1. CompleteHealth™: A multi-modal digital platform that incorporates dual-way SMS, AI-enabled chat, USSD, and voice functionality to connect members with virtual human coaches who support them in creating health goals and making lifestyle changes.

2. NaviHealth.ai™: A geo-coded healthcare facility referral system that helps members navigate where and when to go for in-person preventative and health management care, and allows them to review their care experience. These reviews are harnessed by healthcare providers to make the necessary improvements to care delivery.

3. NudgeHubs™: Community-based in-person screening and self-management support where community ambassadors facilitate member enrollment onto the CompleteHealth™ platform at various community locations.

4. mDoc Quality Network (MQN™): A tele-education and in-person capacity-building initiative for healthcare workers, to improve the capacity of providers to deliver higher quality care.

 

Our work has reached over 110,000 members, resulting in improved self-efficacy and digital literacy, sustained reductions in blood pressure, improved glycemic control, and other health measures aligned with sustainable development goals. We aim to expand our work across Africa and beyond to ensure people living with or at risk for chronic health conditions and those who want to prioritise wellness, receive the support they need outside of healthcare facilities.

 

Join mDoc's digital self-care platform today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. With personalized support, comprehensive resources, and a supportive community by your side, you'll have everything you need to thrive. Remember, every healthy choice you make today is an investment in your well-being tomorrow.