Introduction

MyTherapistng, a leading Nigerian mental healthtech startup, has recently reached a significant milestone of 5,000 users. To further enhance its service offerings, MyTherapistng has announced a new strategic partnership with WellaHealth, a prominent Nigerian healthtech company.

Enhancing Health Security

Through this collaboration, MyTherapistng users will now have access to micro-health insurance, adding an extra layer of health security. WellaHealth’s innovative approach to affordable healthcare will be integrated into the MyTherapistng platform, providing users with a broader range of health solutions, including telemedicine, malaria testing and medication, and screenings for diabetes and blood pressure.

Corporate Clients Focus

Oluwaseun Raphael Afolayan, CTO and Co-founder of MyTherapistng, stated, “This will only be open for our corporate clients for now. It's an all-in-one package that covers their employees' mental health and physical health. And WellaHealth will be our direct service providers.”

Addressing Nigeria's Mental Health Challenges

Nigeria, with a population exceeding 200 million across six geopolitical zones, faces a critical mental health challenge. One in four individuals reports mental illness, yet only about 10.4% of Nigerians with severe mental disorders have access to treatment.

Health Insurance Landscape

Currently, just 3% of Nigerians have health insurance. However, Dr. Salma Anas-Ibrahim, Special Adviser to the President on Health, announced in February 2024 that the federal government aims to extend health coverage to over 50 million Nigerians, focusing on the vulnerable and elderly, by 2027.

Importance of Strategic Partnerships

For healthtech startups enhancing healthcare in Nigeria, partnerships are vital for improving insurance access and expanding healthcare availability. Research underscores the crucial role of strategic partnerships in fostering innovation and business growth. According to BPI Network, as reported by Forbes, 44% of businesses actively seek alliances to gain new ideas and insights, which drive innovation. Additionally, a Harvard Business Review report reveals that 94% of technology executives view innovation partnerships as essential to their strategic approach.

Stigma and Discrimination

This partnership with healthtech companies is set to drive innovation and enhance awareness of mental health in Nigeria, where individuals with mental illnesses often face stigma and discrimination.

Commitment to Holistic Health Support

CEO's Perspective

Dedoyin Ajayi, Co-founder and CEO of MyTherapistng, stated, "Our goal has always been to break down barriers to mental health care. Partnering with WellaHealth not only broadens the scope of services we provide but also reinforces our commitment to holistic health support for our users."

Expanding Healthsend Africa

This development follows WellaHealth's launch of Healthsend Africa in Kenya nine months ago and the rollout of the subsidiary in Nigeria in June 2023. Healthsend allows immigrants to top up a website wallet and pay for various healthcare services for their family members in Nigeria and Kenya. It is accessible to immigrants in the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

Future Partnership Prospects

Beyond MyTherapistng’s collaboration with WellaHealth, the mental healthtech startup is actively engaging in partnership discussions with several key organizations aligned with its mission to provide better mental well-being for all Africans. These partnership prospects include HMO organizations like Wellness HMO, IHMS, and healthtech startups like Clafiya, Famasi, and Healthtracka, among others.