eha Impact Ventures Invests $150,000 in Prevention Device

Agnes Ekebuike

eha Impact Ventures (EIV) has announced an additional investment of $150,000 in Ananya Health, one of its portfolio companies pioneering medical technology advancements across Africa, in this case, an innovative cancer prevention device.

Ananya Health is developing a battery-powered cryoablation device to freeze abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous, especially as traditional cryoablation procedures are expensive, require specialised doctors, and pose logistical challenges.

A statement issued by EIV explained that Ananya Health’s cutting-edge device eliminates these barriers by making it portable, affordable, and accessible at primary healthcare centres, thus aiming to revolutionise cancer prevention at the grassroots level of healthcare.

Also, this latest funding supports Ananya Health towards securing a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant and pursuing its long-term goal of obtaining U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510 (k) clearance.

The statement noted that this clearance ensures the safety and efficacy of their medical device, allowing it to be marketed in the United States.

Responding to this, Evelyn Castle, CEO and Co-founder of EIV stated: “We are proud of Ananya Health’s progress in 2023 and 2024. Its key milestones include designing a battery-operated cooling system that can consistently reach -40 degrees Celsius and establishing partnerships with clinical organisations, advocacy groups, and screening companies to support device adoption in target regions like Kenya, Nigeria, and India.

“We believe this device will be a game-changer in preventing cervical cancer and are proud to be an early investor and supporter.”

Besides, in recognition of EIV’s commitment to Ananya Health, Castle has joined the Board of Directors as a Board Observer to provide strategic guidance and support to Ananya Health’s leadership team in navigating the subsequent phases of development.

Expressing her appreciation, Anu Parvatiyar, CEO of Ananya Health, stated that “eha Impact Ventures’ investment reflects a shared vision for a future where accessible and affordable medical solutions can improve global health.

EIV is a philanthropic impact investing enterprise that supports early-stage, high-impact, women-led businesses in Africa; while Ananya Health is a seed-stage medical technology company developing a device for the global fight against cancer.