Developped by two tech entrepreneurs, the solution aims to help hospitals secure blood supplies more efficiently.

Wala Digital Health, a Ghanaian e-health startup, is streamlining how hospitals and blood banks order, receive, and manage blood supplies. Founded in 2019 by Dennis Addo and Kanyisola Oyeyinka, the company operates from Accra, Ghana, and Cambridge, USA, combining local impact with global innovation.

“We harness the power of social networks to boost blood product availability and leverage innovative digital solutions for processing, sharing, and delivery, combating the fatal consequences of blood shortages,” the platform explains.

The solution features a mobile app, available on iOS and Android, enabling blood donors to connect with the platform and schedule donations. Through extensive use of digital channels, including social media, Wala Digital Health has built a donor community of around 1,000 members. Donors earn digital tokens after each contribution, which can be redeemed for medical services.

Blood donations are processed and made available within 24 to 48 hours. “Whole blood is separated into components (red blood cells, platelets, and plasma). Red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days, plasma can be frozen and kept for 12 months, while platelets must be used within five days,” the platform notes.

Hospitals and blood banks can easily access these products through the app to meet their supply needs. In recognition of its innovative approach, Wala Digital Health was among 36 start-ups selected for the regional rounds of the MEST Africa Challenge in 2022.

 By Adoni Conrad Quenum,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji