The solution was sparked by its founder’s personal experience. In 2014, during her 30th week of pregnancy, she underwent an emergency C-section due to complications. While fortunate to recover, this near-death experience from postpartum hemorrhage fueled her desire to develop a solution.

Nerve, an e-health mobile application, is the brainchild of the Nigerian startup LifeBank. It provides a platform for hospitals and health centers to order vital medical supplies like blood and oxygen. LifeBank, headquartered in Lagos, was established in 2016 by Temie Giwa-Tubosun.

The founder explains, “We are using Google Maps to create a communication platform between blood banks, hospitals and patients, which was previously non-existent. [...] I knew from the start that donors would always be an essential link in the distribution process. Without supply, what can we deliver?”

The app, available on iOS and Android, has already been downloaded over a thousand times. It connects blood banks with various hospitals and health centers. Users place orders through the app, specifying the required blood group, and the system takes care of the rest. LifeBank maintains a cold chain infrastructure to ensure the blood is properly preserved until it is delivered within 45 minutes or less.

The startup elaborates, “We work with over 150 accredited blood banks to provide safe blood and safe blood products. Our order and inventory system ensures that every product supplied is trackable and the safety records of blood and blood products are available to patients and health providers.”

Regarding oxygen supply, the startup asserts, “We work with over 50 oxygen plants to ensure that we only source and deliver high-quality medical oxygen.”

LifeBank uses various modes of transport for delivery, depending on the situation. These include bicycles, tricycles, trucks, and even drones. In March 2023, the healthtech incorporated artificial intelligence into its system to enhance its performance.

Adoni Conrad Quenum