Founder and Executive Director, Companionapp | Rwanda

Gasana Joel is an MD and social entrepreneur with a passion for global health and social justice. He is the founder of Companionapp, a mobile application that connects HIV+ patients (mainly sex workers) and health care providers with the mission of improving patients’ follow up adherence to antiretroviral medication and access to pre and post-HIV exposure prophylaxis. Joel has received many international recognitions, including: 2018 One Young World Ambassador, 2017 Youth Grant Innovation Spark winner, 2016 winner of the World Students project for Health, 2018 Next Einstein Forum finalist, and 2018 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneur. He was also named as one of the World Health Organization’s “30 Best Innovators” in Africa.  

Rise Up Cohort: Youth Champion 2021