Axmed Awarded $5 Million

Grant funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation targets improving access to essential medicines for the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Population starting in Sub-Saharan Africa

[Cambridge, MA, USA | Basel , Switzerland, 1st November 2023]

AxmedRx, a Public Benefit Corporation actively engaged in delivering global healthcare solutions, is proud to announce the receipt of a USD 5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The funds will be dedicated to the strategic deployment and expansion of AxmedRx’s innovative two-sided medicines marketplace, with a specific focus on accelerating access to vital treatments for the MNCH population starting in sub-Saharan Africa.

“The grant marks a transformative era in AxmedRx’s approach to tackling the stark healthcare disparities in underserved populations. It’s more than financial support — it’s an affirmation of trust in our mission, vision, and capacity for significant impact,” expressed Emmanuel Akpakwu, CEO of AxmedRx. “With these resources, we’re poised to spearhead meaningful change, prioritizing the health of mothers and newborns who are often the most vulnerable.”

Dr. Patrice Matchaba, a member of the AxmedRx Advisory Board, highlighted the urgency of the initiative, saying, “This collaboration is a bold step toward global health equity. The COVID pandemic has unfortunately contributed to a reversal of previous gains in maternal and newborn health in developing countries. We must act now to prevent further loss of lives during pregnancy and childbirth from preventable and treatable causes.”

The grant will empower AxmedRx to expand healthcare access by fostering strategic alliances with key players in the industry, including healthcare stakeholders, governmental representatives, and pharmaceutical companies. Envisioned outcomes include strengthening procurement capability for buyers, fortifying healthcare systems, and establishing a coalition of logistics players capable of safe, secure, and transparent delivery of medicines to the final mile.

“Our strategy is grounded in actionable plans, local collaboration, and an in-depth understanding of the distinct health challenges each region faces,” stated Chief Operating Officer Sofia Radley-Searle. “This grant empowers us to deploy our resources and creativity to initiate a health revolution that will resonate across communities.”

Felix Ohnmacht, Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the project’s alignment with AxmedRx’s long-term vision: “We’re on a humanitarian quest, not just a commercial one. We’re committed to building sustainable, robust health systems. Our commercial endeavors are intertwined with our commitment to effecting real change.”

“Our initiative embodies hope and actionable change. Together, we are creating a world where essential healthcare is accessible, regardless of geographical location or economic status,” Emmanuel Akpakwu concluded.

AxmedRx is appreciative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s support, and invites the participation of media partners, global health proponents, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical partners in this transformative endeavor.

For more information, interview requests, or media inquiries, please contact: info@axmedrx.com

About AxmedRx: AxmedRx is an innovative healthcare venture focused on revolutionizing access to essential medications in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Through its robust digital platform, AxmedRx operates a two-sided marketplace that bridges the gap between pharmaceutical suppliers and healthcare providers, ensuring a steady, affordable supply of critical medicines. With a starting emphasis on maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), AxmedRx not only strives to mitigate the prevalent healthcare disparities in LMICs but also aims to fortify the medical supply chain, making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective. By leveraging technology, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by LMICs, AxmedRx is committed to fostering sustainable health outcomes and accelerating global health equity.