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FIVAmed, a medical technology firm, has today launched its “FIVAmed Flow Device”, a groundbreaking intravenous (IV) fluid monitoring system developed in Kenya, targeting African healthcare.
The device, produced in partnership with Gearbox Pan-African Network, combines the precision of infusion pumps with affordability, addressing a critical gap in patient care across the region.
Speaking during the launching of the device in Nairobi, Dr. Orlando Hung, Founder of FIVAmed emphasized the device’s potential to revolutionize IV therapy in resource-limited settings.
“Medical Innovation in Kenya should aim at finding solutions for unmet clinical needs from African perspectives and avoid using the profits_driven business model in the Western world.” Dr. Hung said.
The partnership with Gearbox, a leading African engineering and manufacturing network, ensures the device is produced locally in Kenya.
Latiff Cherono, Gearbox’s General Manager, highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration.
“By manufacturing in Kenya, we are building products that are a best fit for the market. We are working to reduce the cost of medical devices coming into the continent, which can traverse the entire continent with minimum import duties.” Cherono explained.
The launch received strong endorsements from healthcare leaders led by Dr. Elizabeth Gitau, the Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Association (KMA), who noted the device’s alignment with Universal Health Coverage goals.
Dr. Gitau said this locally-made solution demonstrates a simple, yet effective in terms of managing patients, as she also emphasized its economic benefits to the country.
On the other hand, Mr. Phil Pestson, a consultant who facilitated investor participation in the project said the initiative proves that with the right partnerships, Africa can develop its own medical technology that will help reduce the cost of importing them from the Western world.
Other advantages include remote remote monitoring through bluetooth and WiFi and drop counting.
With initial production underway, FIVAmed and Gearbox plan to scale up manufacturing to meet demand across East Africa. The partners are also exploring adaptations for other African markets, potentially transforming IV therapy management continent-wide.
