Firm spends $150,000 on cancer prevention in Nigeria, Kenya, others

In a bid to ensure the well-being of the citizenry, eha Impact Ventures (EIV) has expended $150,000 on the procurement of an innovative cancer prevention device.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and co-founder of EIV, Evelyn Castle, in a statement, explained that the device is at the disposal of Ananya Health, one of EIV’s portfolio companies pioneering medical technology advancements across Africa.

“We are proud of Ananya Health’s progress in 2023 and 2024. Its key milestones include designing a battery-operated cooling system that can consistently reach -40 degrees Celsius and establishing partnerships with clinical organisations, advocacy groups, and screening companies to support device adoption in target regions like Kenya, Nigeria, and India,” she noted.

“Ananya Health is developing a battery-powered cryoablation device to freeze abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous, especially as traditional cryoablation procedures are expensive, require specialised doctors, and pose logistical challenges.”

She added that the cutting-edge device eliminates these barriers by making it portable, affordable, and accessible at primary healthcare centres, thus aiming to revolutionise cancer prevention at the grassroots level of healthcare.

Also, this latest funding supports Ananya Health toward securing a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant and pursuing its long-term goal of obtaining U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance.

The statement noted that this clearance ensures the safety and efficacy of their medical device, allowing it to be marketed in the United States.

He said, “We believe this device will be a game-changer in preventing cervical cancer and are proud to be an early investor and supporter.”

Besides, in recognition of EIV’s commitment to Ananya Health, Evelyn Castle has joined the Board of Directors as a Board Observer to provide strategic guidance and support to Ananya Health’s leadership team in navigating the subsequent phases of development.

Expressing her appreciation, Anu Parvatiyar, CEO of Ananya Health, stated that “eha Impact Ventures’ investment reflects a shared vision for a future where accessible and affordable medical solutions can improve global health.

“Ananya Health’s innovative approaches can transform cervical cancer prevention, and with EIV’s continued support, the journey toward widespread adoption is poised for success.”

EIV is a philanthropic impact investing enterprise that supports early-stage, high-impact, women-led businesses in Africa, while Ananya Health is a seed-stage medical technology company developing a device for the global fight against cancer.