Lifesten Health: Revolutionising NCD management through tech innovation

In Rwanda, Uwimana, a woman of unwavering resilience, found herself facing a life-changing diagnosis of hypertension. The news of her condition was undoubtedly overwhelming, evoking a range of emotions from fear and uncertainty to determination and strength. She knew she had to take immediate action to safeguard her health. The challenges that lay ahead seemed daunting, but Uwimana's determination to lead a healthy life fuelled her search for solutions. Scouring the internet, she discovered Lifesten Heath, a health tech startup that is transforming the landscape of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through its innovative mobile application in Rwanda. Incorporating gamification, the app empowers users to make health-conscious decisions while monitoring their blood pressure regularly. Within its intuitive interface, Lifesten Health integrates various aspects of well-being, including dietary habits, physical activities, and mental health. Users are motivated to stay committed as they earn points for their positive actions, which can be redeemed for exciting rewards like free gym sessions and health consultations. Lifesten Health is making a real difference in people's lives, giving information on non-Communicable diseases, providing hope and support to those like Uwimana on their journey to a healthier future. After approximately six months of using the app, she successfully managed her hypertensive condition, turning her life around. Her experience is a testament to the app's ability to empower users to take charge of their health. Hypertension prevalence among Rwanda’s adult population stands at 15.9%. However, only 21.3% of Rwanda’s adult population have ever had their blood pressure measured by a qualified healthcare provider. There remains a pressing need for innovative solutions such as Lifesten Heath to combat this and other chronic health conditions. The genesis of Lifesten Health At the heart of Lifesten Health's mission is co-founder Peace Iraguha, whose vision and dedication have shaped the company. For Peace, the passion to combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Rwanda was ignited during her time as a nutritionist. Witnessing the devastating impact of diseases like hypertension and diabetes on individuals and their families, she was determined to find a better way. Helping people with high blood pressure before it turns into hypertension seemed to be the most effective thing to do,” said Peace “I saw hypertension impacts on my patients as they suffered from heart attacks, strokes, and a range of ailments from kidney failure to loss of vision, which compelled me establish Lifesten.” Peace took action and co-founded Lifesten Health alongside Stephen Ogweno, a health enthusiast and NCD advocate. Their journey began in the Jasiri Accelerators Program in 2021, where they created a mobile app that combines innovative gamification elements with essential health services, promoting positive habits and fostering better health outcomes. Hanga Pitchfest: A launchpad for transformation Lifesten Health's journey gained momentum when Peace seized the opportunity to participate in the prestigious 2022 edition of the Hanga Pitchfest. This annual event, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Rwanda's Ministry of ICT, and Innovation and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) provides a platform for startups to showcase their innovative solutions to existing challenges in Rwanda. Selected as one of the top 25 contenders, Peace navigated a comprehensive boot camp. During this process, she and her team refined Lifesten Health's business strategy and honed their pitching skills under the guidance of industry experts. Lifesten Health emerged as the winner of the coveted 'Innovation of the Year award' for the 2022 Hanga Pitchfest. Expanding horizons and impact The Hanga Pitchfest became a pivotal moment for Lifesten Health, igniting their growth and recognition in the fight against NCDs. Starting with a team of nine members, they expanded their workforce to fifteen. This allowed them to extend their impact, training nearly 70 independent agents, and forming crucial partnerships with key stakeholders such as the Rwanda Biomedical Center and the City of Kigali. These collaborations opened the door for Lifesten app users to access a wide range of health services and resources. Moreover, the recognition garnered through Pitchfest attracted investors who saw the potential of Lifesten Health's vision. Brimming with ambition, the Lifesten Health team is expanding its impact beyond Rwanda, with Kenya as its next destination. Their vision includes specialized workplace programs aimed at inspiring healthier lifestyles among employees. As Lifesten Health pursues its mission of empowering individuals to prevent and combat NCDs,it serves as a model of how technology, vision and the concrete support of programs like Hanga Pitchfest can bring about transformative change in people’s health.

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Lifesten Health: Revolutionising NCD management through tech innovation