17 Nov 2015   

Mobile For Development Initiatives

Technology, especially mobile phones, can create positive change to help improve the livelihoods of those in developing countries. Below are some recent initiatives which have been helping to improve food security, health and empowerment. To find more about Mobile for Development, Read the AIDF report: Transforming Global Healthcare through Mobile Technology 

 

WFP Launches Free App for Smartphone Users to Help Feed Syrian Refugee Children 

The World Food Programme has launched a new smart phone app available on iOS and Android in which users can “share” a meal wherever they are. With donations from as little as 50 US cents and the app being free, there is a new easy way to help contribute towards Generation Zero Hunger. In its test launch in June 2015, 120,000 Users in Germany, Austria and Switzerland provided 1.7 million meals for schoolchildren in Lesotho, Southern Africa.

Visit the website to find out more https://sharethemeal.org/en/
 

Tracking the Cold Chain: Improving Vaccine Systems in India

The UNDP and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India have introduced eVIn to health workers. eVin is an electronic vaccination intelligence network system that allows workers to manage vaccine logistics and have real-time information about the availability of vaccines. Having this data mobile and easily accessible means there is an easy way to track progress and ensure full coverage of India’s future generations.

Read more here

 

Mobile technology empowers women in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, women are being taught about child protection and ensuring safe and caring home environments for children. Projects have been run in Peraliya and Gandhara, both of which were devastated by the 2004 Tsunami. SOS Children have set up 3 face-to-face training sessions and then send SMS messaged for 180 days helping with communication with the family, children’s education and managing home finances. The programme is set to expand to new locations and be extended from six months to one year.

Read more about the project here

 

GSMA unfolds 3 points agenda for emerging markets

The Chairman of the GSMA, Jon Fredrik Baksass, shared his plans to establish the GSMAs position in the developing world. Its Mobile for Development programmes is focusing on: 1. Connectivity, 2. Mobile money and 3. identity for the unregistered. The GSMA want to target the 30% of the population without mobile internet access in developing markets.  GSMA received an additional $9.4 million funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mastercard Foundation and Omidyar Network to begin the third phase of the Mobile Money Programme up to 2018.

For more information about GSMA, visit their website: http://www.gsma.com/

 

Time to kick-start a solar revolution across Ghana

Around 600 million people in Africa – two out of three – are locked into poverty because they do not have electricity. What is seen as a solution by many to start a new solar revolution across Ghana is investing in solar panels. The price has massively reduced in recent years while battery technology has improved and appliances become more efficient.  This linked with mobile payment systems means they could use their mobiles to pay for solar energy.

Read more here