CURAFA is proud to announce a new chapter in its journey to bring affordable, high-quality primary healthcare to underserved communities.

Access Afya, a Kenyan primary health enterprise, has officially completed the purchase of the CURAFA points-of-care social business franchise from the Healthcare business of Merck and Lifesciences Ltd., Kenya.

Since launching in 2018, the CURAFA model has been a pioneer in community-based care — serving more than 30,000 patients through integrated healthcare points that blend technology, local entrepreneurship, and trusted medical expertise.

Continuing the CURAFA Mission

CURAFA was founded to close the healthcare access gap by creating integrated points of care that combine:

• Well-stocked pharmacies

• Primary healthcare clinics

• Digital health tools

• Financing solutions

• Telemedicine services

Through this holistic approach — and with Merck’s global healthcare experience — CURAFA has established best-in-class operating standards, health technology systems, and education programs for both patients and providers.

A New Chapter with Access Afya

Access Afya brings a strong track record of running tech-enabled primary health clinics across Kenya, with more than 150,000 patients served through its network.

The company’s AfyaSmart digital platform is at the heart of its operations, ensuring every patient receives consistent, data-driven, and high-quality care.

Under this new ownership, CURAFA’s franchise network will continue to grow and thrive — combining CURAFA’s integrated model with Access Afya’s digital systems, operations expertise, and franchise experience.

“We are excited to expand our reach into four new counties and implement our operations and technology to build on the existing CURAFA franchise package,” said Melissa Menke, CEO of Access Afya.

“The clinics have already proved demand and impact in the communities they serve, and with this partnership, we look forward to reaching more patients — both in person and digitally — through our telemedicine platform.”

Building on a Strong Foundation

The transaction includes all physical and digital assets, the CURAFA trademark, and franchise service agreements with local healthcare entrepreneurs.

This acquisition expands Access Afya’s network by 50%, bringing the combined footprint to 15 clinics across four counties. The partnership brings together two organizations with a shared vision — making primary care affordable, accessible, and sustainable at scale.

“We are confident that Access Afya’s social business approach, with its focus on patient outcomes and digital innovation, is the right model for an inclusive economy that enables healthcare access for all,” said Boris A. Hesser, VP, Head of Integrated Healthcare Services at Merck.

Looking Ahead

CURAFA will continue to operate under the CURAFA brand, preserving the trust and recognition built in its communities.

In collaboration with Access Afya, the franchise network will strengthen its operational capacity, extend its digital care reach, and continue to serve as a model for scalable, community-based healthcare.

New digital platforms for both franchise operations and telemedicine services are being developed to make it easier for patients to access care, information, and follow-up support.

Together, CURAFA and Access Afya are combining expertise, technology, and passion to ensure that every family — no matter where they live — can access the healthcare they deserve.