Doctor and Engineer from Lisbon Launch Health Tech for Americans

Dr. Ana Ferreira, a Lisbon-based physician, and João Silva, a tech entrepreneur from the same city, have launched a digital health platform aimed at improving access to medical care for Americans. The company, called "Depois," is already attracting attention in New York, where it plans to roll out its services later this year. The initiative is part of a broader movement to leverage African innovation for global health solutions, aligning with the African Development Bank’s vision for tech-driven development.

Breaking Ground in the US Healthcare Sector

Depois, which means "after" in Portuguese, was founded with the goal of simplifying healthcare access for patients in the United States. The platform uses artificial intelligence to connect users with affordable medical consultations, prescription management, and health tracking. Ferreira, who trained in Lisbon before working in the UK, said the model was inspired by her experiences in both public and private healthcare systems. “We want to make sure that people, especially those in underserved communities, can access quality care without long wait times or high costs,” she said.

The company has already secured $3 million in seed funding from a coalition of European and American investors. It plans to launch in New York City in October, targeting low-income residents and those without insurance. The move comes as the US healthcare system faces growing pressure to reduce costs and improve efficiency, with over 8% of the population still lacking health coverage.

How Lisbon’s Innovation Could Influence Africa

The success of Depois highlights the growing role of African entrepreneurs in global innovation. Lisbon, once a hub for Portuguese colonial trade, has become a key tech startup destination in Europe. The city’s blend of European infrastructure and African entrepreneurial spirit is creating new pathways for cross-continental collaboration. For African development, this could mean more opportunities for knowledge transfer and investment in health tech.

Dr. Ferreira, who grew up in Angola before moving to Portugal, sees her work as a bridge between continents. “Africa has a lot to offer in terms of innovation and problem-solving. Our focus on digital health could help address some of the challenges we face at home, like limited access to medical professionals,” she said. The platform’s AI-driven model could be adapted for use in African countries with high patient-to-doctor ratios, such as Nigeria and Kenya.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Global Health Market

Despite the optimism, Depois faces significant hurdles. The US healthcare market is highly regulated, and the company must navigate complex insurance and data privacy laws. Moreover, it will need to build trust among users who are skeptical of digital health solutions. “We’re not replacing doctors, but we’re giving people more control over their health,” Silva explained. “It’s about empowerment, not disruption.”

The company is also exploring partnerships with African health ministries to pilot its technology in rural areas. A pilot project in Mozambique is set to begin in early 2025, focusing on maternal health and chronic disease management. This could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to improve public health through digital tools.

Impact on African Development Goals

The initiative aligns with several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). By leveraging technology, Depois is demonstrating how African innovation can contribute to global health solutions. This is particularly relevant as African countries strive to meet the 2030 development targets, many of which are still out of reach.

For South Africa, the project could have indirect benefits. As one of Africa’s largest economies, South Africa is already investing heavily in digital health infrastructure. The success of Depois in the US could inspire similar ventures in the region, fostering a new wave of tech-driven healthcare solutions.

What’s Next for Depois and African Tech?

With its New York launch just months away, Depois is under pressure to prove its model works. The company has already partnered with two major US health providers and is in talks with three more. If successful, it could attract more investment from African and global investors, creating a new pipeline of funding for African tech startups.

The next big step for Depois will be expanding beyond the US and into African markets. The company has already received interest from the African Union, which is looking to support digital health initiatives across the continent. For now, the focus remains on the US, but the long-term vision is clear: to build a global health platform rooted in African innovation.

As the world watches, the success of Depois could signal a new chapter in African development—one where African entrepreneurs are not just participants but leaders in shaping the future of global health.