In Moliwe a small community, near Limbe in the Southwest Region of Cameroon, Sally Njoh’s journey to entrepreneurship and health innovation began. Born at the Bota Clinic, her path to becoming a leader in health and technology was shaped by personal struggles, community health challenges, and an unyielding drive to improve the lives of those around her. For Sally, it all started with the health challenges faced by her family.
“My passion for nutritional health stems from witnessing the impact of chronic illnesses on my family and community in Moliwe,” Sally shared. “My father suffers from hypertension, my sister has type 1 diabetes, and my grandmother passed away from a stroke. These experiences, coupled with the alarming statistic from WHO that over 80% of people live with undiagnosed chronic illnesses, motivated me to focus on improving health outcomes through nutrition.”
The Birth of HappyMe Health
In response to these personal challenges and the pressing need for better health management in her community, Sally took a bold step. She pursued a degree in medical microbiology at the University of Buea, all while volunteering with local and international NGOs. It was through this work that she learned about the critical role of early diagnosis and nutrition in managing chronic diseases, which became the foundation for the creation of HappyMe Health in 2022.
HappyMe Health, based in Mile 4 Limbe, is a company driven by a singular mission: to provide underserved communities with affordable, nutritious alternatives and free diagnostic campaigns for early disease detection. Over the past year, the company has made significant strides in improving the health of local communities. “We’ve reached eleven communities in the Southwest and Littoral regions, diagnosed over 1,200 individuals, and are currently managing 235 patients through our affiliated Mile 1 Regional Hospital,” Sally explained.
The core of HappyMe Health’s work is simple but impactful. The company offers tailored nutrition specifically designed for individuals managing chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension. Through their specialized meals, individuals can continue to enjoy tasty, nutritious food while managing their condition, without feeling deprived of the pleasures of eating. “We create delicious meals for those with diabetes, making it easier for them to adhere to their dietary needs without feeling like they’re missing out on life,” Sally said.
Additionally, the company places significant emphasis on education and outreach programs. “It’s not just about the food we provide; it’s about educating our communities on the importance of early diagnosis and adopting healthier lifestyles. We want people to know that it’s not too late to change their habits and improve their lives,” she explained. To this end, HappyMe Health has conducted numerous free screenings and early detection campaigns in underserved areas, which have helped identify chronic conditions before they worsen.
Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges
As Sally’s work with HappyMe Health grew, so did her opportunities. In 2024, she was appointed as the Assistant Managing Director at Afro Brains Cameroon, a position that has allowed her to further explore the potential of technology in improving health outcomes. “At Afro Brains, I’ve been learning how to transform organic products into convenient, nutritious options for our communities,” she shared. This experience has not only expanded her business acumen but has also furthered her mission of integrating health tech innovations like AI into disease diagnosis, something she’s particularly passionate about.
However, Sally’s path to success has been anything but easy. She faced numerous challenges, from being a woman in a STEM field to navigating the barriers faced by single mothers trying to break into the tech industry. “Transitioning into the tech space isn’t easy, especially in an environment like ours,” she said. “As a single mom, it’s hard to juggle work, tech training, and childcare. Tech often requires specialized education, which can be expensive and time-consuming.”
Sally has also faced gender-based challenges, including stereotypes and a lack of support in male-dominated industries. “Women in tech often face unsupportive policies, like limited maternity leave and lack of flexibility. I’m a single mother, and those issues are even more pronounced for me. It’s tough when tech companies don’t offer remote work or part-time options, making it harder for us to balance family and career,” she explained.
Recognition and Achievements
Despite these obstacles, Sally has persevered, continuing to break barriers both professionally and personally. She has been recognized for her exceptional work, being nominated for several awards, including the Global Startup Awards in three categories: Best Newcomer, Youth Startup of the Year, and Ecosystem Hero. She was also selected as one of the promising female entrepreneurs in Cameroon by the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs in 2023. “Recognition is important, but what truly matters is the impact we make on people’s lives,” she said with humility.
Her resilience has been a cornerstone of her journey, especially during difficult personal moments. “In 2015, I envisioned starting HappyMe Health, but the Anglophone crisis forced me to put the idea on hold,” she recounted. “I had to pause my studies due to the violence and focus on survival. But even through selling natural juices and organic products in Limbe, I kept the hope alive that I would one day bring my dream to life.”
Despite the setbacks, Sally remained determined. “I didn’t let personal struggles stop me. I faced a failed marriage, became a single mother, but I still kept pushing. I reignited my HappyMe Health initiative, and with the help of accelerator programs like the Founders Institute, I improved my entrepreneurial skills,” she shared. Sally’s story is one of grit and determination, learning to thrive even in the most challenging circumstances.
Sally’s advice to young entrepreneurs is clear and rooted in her own experience: “Take it one step at a time. Leadership isn’t about being in charge; it’s about taking charge of the people under your care,” she said. “Build capacity for yourself through online education, like using the YALI network. Diversity is a strength, and creating a strong team culture is key to success.”
A Lasting Impact
The impact Sally has made with HappyMe Health goes beyond the success of her business; it’s about creating lasting change in the communities she serves. She is not just an entrepreneur; she is a beacon of hope for women in tech and health innovation in Cameroon. Sally Njoh’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, and her work continues to inspire many, proving that with passion, determination, and a willingness to learn, any obstacle can be overcome.
