Kidist Tesfaye is an entrepreneur transforming women’s healthcare in Ethiopia. As the founder of YeneHealth, Ethiopia’s first FemTech startup, she is reshaping sexual and reproductive health through innovative digital solutions. With a vision to empower women with accessible, confidential, and culturally responsive healthcare, Tesfaye is redefining how African women take charge of their well-being.
The inspiration behind YeneHealth stemmed from Tesfaye’s discovery of the significant unmet need for family planning and reproductive health education in Ethiopia. She envisioned a platform that would empower women with the necessary tools and information to take control of their health and boost confidence and autonomy in their reproductive choices.
YeneHealth operates a multilingual web and mobile application that offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to cater to women’s multifaceted needs. The platform includes menstrual, pregnancy, and medication tracking features, providing users with personalised insights into their health.
While its women-centred e-pharmacy ensures discreet ordering and delivery of essential healthcare products, its telemedicine services connect users with verified healthcare providers for confidential consultations. Additionally, YeneHealth provides culturally responsive resources and educational content, addressing topics pertinent to women’s health in a manner that resonates with the local context.
The startup’s multilingual web and mobile applications ensure accessibility, offering a personalised experience tailored to each user’s preferences and needs.
Since its inception, YeneHealth has made significant strides in enhancing medical access for women to help their reproductive journey. Many women across Ethiopia have embraced YeneHealth, finding solace in a platform that understands and addresses their unique health concerns. The discreet nature of its services, coupled with the culturally sensitive approach, has resonated deeply with users, building a sense of trust and reliability.
“I recently started using the YeneHealth app, and I’m truly impressed! This app is designed with African women in mind, making it an invaluable resource for tracking menstrual cycles and pregnancy. One of my favorite features is the availability of the Amharic language option, which makes it accessible and user-friendly for many.”-Customer review.
YeneHealth has received several grants over the past five years. Notably, it was awarded a $115,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to provide youth with judgment-free access to sexual and reproductive health education and resources.
Additionally, YeneHealth received a $50,000 grant from HealthTech Hub Africa, a pan-African health-tech accelerator located in Kigali, Rwanda. This funding, provided by the Novartis Foundation, was designated to implement the YeneHealth FemTech project. The project aims to make sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and family planning information and products accessible and available to users.
Furthermore, YeneHealth is recognised as Ethiopia’s first FemTech startup, which has positioned it as a leader in the industry. This has inspired other entrepreneurs to explore technology-driven solutions to healthcare challenges.
In November 2023, Kidist Tesfaye received the Tech Entrepreneur Award at the African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards.
