Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death around the world, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Symptoms often include weakness, weight loss, fever, chest pain, coughing, and coughing up blood or mucus. Sometimes, TB is latent, though this too must be treated since it can develop into the full-blown disease. TB can be cured, though this requires 6-12 months of treatment with antibiotics. If the antibiotics are taken incorrectly or the individual stops taking them prematurely, the full-blown disease can return, threatening the patient and her community. The bacterium is also more likely to develop drug resistance, which is more expensive and less effective to treat, and thus, a significant threat to the community at large.

We launched Keheala in Kenya in 2016 to tackle TB - the deadliest infectious disease. Our proof of concept from January 1st - December 31st, 2016 included 1200 patients in a randomized controlled trial. It was conducted throughout 17 clinical sites in Nairobi, Kenya. Just 4.2% of patients using Keheala did not successfully complete treatment, compared with 12.6% of patients in the standard-of-care control group.