Aiden Kiprop 
Josef Murad, Founder &CEO-BYON8.
BYON8: Transforming Healthcare Access in Africa and Beyond
BYON8, a pioneering digital health platform, is transforming healthcare access and delivery, particularly in underserved regions of Africa.
By Aiden K;
Access to healthcare remains a major issue across the African continent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sub-Saharan Africa has only 1.3 health workers per 1,000 people, far below the minimum threshold of 4.5 recommended by the WHO to deliver essential health services. The shortage of healthcare professionals is another daunting barrier.
This results in millions of Africans, especially in rural areas, having limited or no ability to see a doctor when they need medical attention.
BYON8’s mobile app seeks to bridge this gap by connecting users with licensed doctors and nurses for virtual consultations.
This allows patients to receive professional medical advice and treatment remotely, overcoming barriers like long travel distances to clinics.
The app also provides educational health content to empower users to better manage their own wellbeing.
Founded by Josef Murad and his family, BYON8 is leveraging technology and artificial intelligence to bridge the significant healthcare gap prevalent in many developing countries.
The telemedicine app aims to streamline healthcare access by connecting patients with doctors for diagnosis in a few simple smartphone steps.
Kickstarting BYON8
The health tech firm was founded on a powerful blend of personal experiences and observations. Murad’s medical exchange program in Kenya at around 2016 exposed him first-hand to the stark realities of healthcare access in rural areas: long wait times, limited access to specialists, and a critical shortage of resources.
Simultaneously, his brother and father witnessed the transformative potential of digital health solutions in the Nordic countries, highlighting the possibility of more affordable and accessible healthcare delivery.
These contrasting experiences ignited a shared passion to develop scalable solutions that could address these global healthcare disparities. The result was BYON8, a company committed to revolutionizing how people experience healthcare worldwide.
“The initial vision for BYON8 was straightforward yet ambitious: to “Go Beyond” and bridge the healthcare gap by leveraging technology to ensure quality care for everyone, regardless of location.
This initial focus on AI-powered symptom assessment has evolved into a comprehensive digital health platform offering a wider suite of services, reflecting the company’s growing understanding of the complex needs of diverse patient populations,” Murad notes.
In 2021, BYON8 secured funding to support its expansion in Africa. The round was led by People Ventures, a leading Danish early-stage technology investor, with participation from existing investor Jellyfish Invest and new investor T&W Holding.
BYON8’s app provides a range of services designed to surpass the limitations of traditional healthcare systems:
AI-Powered Symptom Checker: This free tool uses advanced algorithms to analyze user-reported symptoms, providing potential diagnoses, risk assessments, and guidance on next steps.
“The process involves a series of questions designed to progressively narrow down possibilities and offers users valuable insights into their health concerns. This feature empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and seek appropriate medical attention,” Murad says.
Doctor Consultations: BYON8 facilitates affordable and on-demand access to licensed medical professionals through convenient chat or video consultations.
“This removes geographical barriers and allows individuals to connect with healthcare providers regardless of their location,” he says.
Health Packages: The platform offers comprehensive health plans catering to individual needs.
“These packages typically bundle consultations, lab test discounts, and chronic care management for a fixed monthly fee, promoting consistent and affordable healthcare access,”
Corporate Health Solutions: Recognizing the importance of employee well-being, BYON8 provides tailored packages for businesses.
“These solutions encompass online and in-person health programs, screenings, and consultations, helping companies reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and foster a healthier workforce,” he adds.
Impact
BYON8 has achieved remarkable milestones, boasting over 300,000 users in Kenya and a rapidly growing number of active participants.
User feedback consistently highlights the platform’s convenience, cost-effectiveness, and positive impact on healthcare access. This success is particularly significant given the challenges faced in reaching and engaging users in developing countries.
The global shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly acute in sub-Saharan Africa, disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations.
In Kenya, the low doctor-to-patient ratio leads to overcrowded hospitals, lengthy wait times, and limited access to quality care, especially for those in rural areas or from low-income families.
Women and individuals with chronic conditions face even greater barriers. BYON8 directly addresses these challenges by providing immediate access to quality healthcare through technology, thereby alleviating the strain on overburdened healthcare systems while empowering patients to take control of their health.
AI in Healthcare Delivery
Artificial intelligence forms the backbone of BYON8’s platform, playing a crucial role in several areas:
The AI-powered Symptom Checker is not merely a symptom-listing tool; it uses sophisticated algorithms to analyse user input and provide nuanced insights into potential underlying conditions, enabling quicker and more informed decision-making.
“The AI assists doctors in enhancing diagnosis accuracy and quality, offering a layer of support that can improve outcomes, particularly in resource-constrained settings,” he says.
BYON8 envisions a future where AI plays an increasingly prominent role in healthcare, enabling earlier diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and streamlined patient care.
The potential for AI to revolutionize healthcare delivery is immense, and BYON8 is at the forefront of harnessing its power to improve patient outcomes.
Strategic Partnerships and Growth
BYON8’s success is also attributed to strategic partnerships that expand its reach and impact. The recent collaboration with Safaricom, a leading telecommunications company in Kenya, allows BYON8 to leverage Safaricom’s extensive network to reach millions of Kenyans.
Similarly, partnerships with major insurance providers like Jubilee Health Insurance and Britam seamlessly integrate BYON8 into existing healthcare ecosystems, improving accessibility and affordability for users.
BYON8 has demonstrably improved health outcomes for patients with chronic conditions. Through regular consultations, personalized care plans, and guidance on lifestyle modifications, the platform has enabled users to better manage conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
“Anecdotal evidence highlights significant improvements in blood sugar levels and overall health management among users actively engaging with the platform’s features,” Murad says.
Plans
BYON8’s short-term goals focus on expanding its user base within Kenya, further solidifying its position as a leading digital health platform. Long-term aspirations include scaling operations across Africa, starting with planned expansions into South and West Africa.
The company is committed to adapting its solutions to address the unique healthcare challenges of each region while maintaining its commitment to high-quality care.
BYON8 anticipates that the online healthcare industry will witness increased adoption of telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and integrated care systems.
The company envisions a future where digital platforms like BYON8 become the primary point of contact for healthcare, providing immediate, affordable solutions while seamlessly complementing traditional healthcare systems.
“This integrated approach is crucial for improving access to care while leveraging the strengths of both physical and digital healthcare models,”.
User Privacy and Safety
BYON8 places paramount importance on user privacy and data security. The platform employs robust data encryption and adheres to global health data protection standards, including GDPR, HIPAA, and the Kenyan Data Protection Act, ensuring the confidentiality and security of user information.
BYON8 recognizes the transformative potential of emerging technologies such as wearable technology, AI-driven diagnostics, and advanced telemedicine.
The firm is proactively integrating these innovations into its platform to remain at the forefront of digital healthcare innovation. The shift towards proactive, preventative healthcare, enabled by these technologies, is central to BYON8’s mission of improving health outcomes and extending healthy lifespans.
Leadership & Company Culture
Josef Murad’s collaborative and innovative leadership style fosters a culture of creativity, ownership, and shared commitment to BYON8’s mission.
This approach encourages team members to think outside the box, adapt to change, and work together towards transforming the healthcare landscape. The company’s commitment to “Going Beyond” permeates its culture, driving innovation and pushing boundaries in the pursuit of better healthcare access for all.
As the company expands its reach across Africa and beyond, its potential to reshape the global healthcare landscape is undeniable.
