ILARA Health, a Kenyan healthcare startup that provides point of care diagnostic testing to small primary care clinics, has received a grant of US$1.1-million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The healthcare company provides affordable diagnostic equipment to patients and healthcare providers and has partnered with more than 120 clinics in Kenya. The grant will be used to develop effective antenatal care interventions and tech-based solutions for pregnant women unable to access essential services.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation operates 5 divisions that are known as the Global Health Division which aims to reduce inequities in health by developing new tools and strategies to reduce the burden of infectious disease and the leading causes of child mortality in developing countries, Global Development Division which focuses on the delivery of high-impact health products and services, the Global Growth & Opportunity Division which focuses on creating and scaling market-based innovations to stimulate inclusive and sustainable economic growth, the United States Division which improves USA high school and postsecondary education and the Global Policy & Advocacy Division which seeks to build strategic relationships and promote policies. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grants provided in all five areas emphasizes collaboration, innovation, risk-taking and results.