Folake Owodunni

The Mission

Prevent emergency deaths.

How It Works

ERA already has a functioning emergency dispatch system (with ambulances) in Lagos. They now want to layer on private Uber-like drivers trained in basic first aid for a broader population and address the big deficit of emergency transport so emergency deaths are prevented. Patients call dispatch, get the right vehicle for their case, and get to the right facility quickly – and time is critical.

The Dream

Emergency transport for all Africans, delivered by the private sector and paid for by government for the poorest patients.

Why We Picked Folake

Access to emergency care is an urgent need for Nigeria and much of Africa. Unfortunately professional, emergency transport is hard to scale in poor countries. ERA’s expanding their model to see if they can layer on trained private drivers and their vehicles as an Uber-like option for low-income patients. ERA has qualitative evidence that drivers are willing and already do provide emergency transport in their vehicles, without formal support or compensation. We don’t know whether, if formalized, if drivers, users, or the payers will show up to an extent that matters. But if speedy transport can save a bunch of lives, it’s worth a bet.

Folake Owodunni, ERA's co-founder and CEO, was inspired to start the organization after a personal emergency with her son in Canada highlighted the gap between emergency care there and in her home country of Nigeria. With two Master's degrees and 15 years of experience in healthcare, consulting, and marketing, Folake has earned multiple awards, including the Aurora Tech Award and Google Black Founders Fund.