At a Glance

Location: Brazil

Impact Areas: Suppliers, Affordable Technology, Economic Empowerment

People Supported:
Afro-descendant Community

Joined NESsT Portfolio:
2024

afrosaude.com.br/home

Overview

In Brazil, systemic racism and socioeconomic inequalities place Black individuals in situations that hinder access to public healthcare and increase the risk of mental health problems. In recent years the risk for mental health issues among the Black population has increased, and today the suicide rate among young Black Brazilians is almost double that among White Brazilians.

AfroSaúde is a healthcare technology (healthtech) enterprise that ensures equitable access to quality healthcare for individuals in Brazil, especially the Black community, and develops specific solutions for the most prevalent diseases among this population.

Recognizing the importance of representation in health care, AfroSaúde matches patients with professionals who are culturally and racially aware. It works with healthcare professionals who are familiar with situations of racial discrimination and its effects in areas such as mental health and who are equipped to offer understanding, empathy, and specialized care.

Also key to AfroSaúde’s mission is bringing patients closer to quality medical and therapeutic care regardless of their geographical location. The social enterprise measures the distance between patients and healthcare professionals on its online platform, allowing it to track and improve access to healthcare in difficult-to-reach and underdeveloped areas. This approach also allows AfroSaúde to ensure greater visibility and stable income for Black healthcare professionals, supporting them to offer their services to a broader patient base and increase their impact.

Beyond its support to individual patients, AfroSaúde offers customized care packages to corporate clients, including large corporations such as Google for Startups, and small and medium-sized businesses. These healthcare plans focus on promoting employee mental health and contributing to healthier and more productive work environments.

NESsT Investment

​​AfroSaúde has significant potential to generate dignified jobs and higher income for healthcare professionals, especially those from the Black community who have historically been an underrepresented group within the market.

As part of the NESsT portfolio, AfroSaúde will receive comprehensive business assistance to grow and strengthen its business, with a focus on improving its financial model, building and maintaining effective governance structures, and forming strategic partnerships to expand its customer base. 

NESsT’s investment will go towards digital enhancements to ensure AfroSaúde can continue to provide accessible, reliable healthcare throughout Brazil. Support with digital marketing campaigns and establishing partnerships with health service providers, clinics, and pharmacies, will also support AfroSaúde to bring its wide range of products and services to more patients.

With NESsT’s support, the healthtech enterprise will also run courses specifically for women healthcare professionals, supporting them to develop their careers and access greater income. 
 
By 2026, AfroSaúde plans to support patients and professionals across Brazil through more than 19,000 appointments.