The Global Health Innovation Grants (GHIG) program focuses on fostering the growth and scale of health-focused innovations and social entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through one-year grants. Since 2016, IiH has worked with grantees to identify metrics that align with their project objectives and activities. Analyzing this data, IiH provides an assessment of the portfolio in each cohort, as well as over time, to identify areas for improvement for the program. This case study is one of six from the GHIG9 grantee cohort.
mDoc Healthcare is a Nigeria-based digital health social enterprise that combines artificial intelligence (AI), behavioral science, and quality improvement methodologies to support individuals living with or at risk for chronic health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, and regular health needs such as pregnancy.
The company provides a “high-tech, high-touch” self-care model, allowing members to have access to 24/7 virtual self-care support with a multidisciplinary team of health coaches, nutritionists, and fitness coaches, via chats, calls, and educational materials with oversight from clinicians. Among the company’s digital offerings, Kem™ is mDoc’s AI-powered self-care health coach, built to be available for members whenever they need it.
The combination of expert support and personalized AI guidance allows mDoc to provide continuous, context-appropriate self-care and behavioral coaching at scale. While the AI component enhances service delivery, it does not replace human care. Instead, AI is used to redesign care models that extend the reach of human coaches, build trust, and adapt to local language and culture.
As a recipient of the 9th Global Health Innovation Grant (GHIG9), mDoc illustrates how AI can be integrated into a for-profit noncommunicable disease (NCD) care model while prioritizing access for low-income and last-mile populations. This case study shows that the AI-enabled, “high-tech, high-touch” self-care ecosystem can provide continuous NCD care for these populations in Nigeria when it is embedded in human-centered delivery and supported by adaptive partnerships and financing.