Archive for category: Technology

Information and stories about technology news.

, , ,

Digitizing Salary Payment: Impacts of WHO’s Digital Health

Digitizing Salary PaymentThe World Health Organization (WHO) is actively working to enhance the conditions and motivation of African frontline health workers. Through digital innovation, the African health sector benefits from implementing financial technologies such as digitizing salary payment. It facilitates direct cashless income transfer to workers. They created bank accounts and digital bookkeeping collaborating with other Better Than Cash Alliance members, a partnership comprising 80 United Nations (U.N.) members.

WHO has launched this initiative in 24 African countries, digitizing salary payment for more than two million health workers. Spearheaded by WHO’s Department of Digital Health, these payments ensure African frontline health workers’ steady and timely incomes. These innovations foster a cashless society and empower women to access and participate independently in the financial system, aligning with the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Cashless Payment Facilitation

Cash payments for incomes have been deemed “Unwieldy” and represent the challenges in Africa. For instance, the physical handling of cash poses security risks for workers. There is a higher likelihood of salary discrepancies if manual counting methods are not rigorous. However, digital innovation is revolutionizing the African health sector by implementing mobile money systems. These systems have significantly accelerated the pace of payments to workers, offering numerous benefits. Previously, managers bore the burden of physically storing cash at payment sites and distributing funds to disbursement sites for employees to collect their salaries. This process often involved considerable time and effort for workers. With mobile money systems, workers can receive their payments in as little as 30 minutes after completing their work, streamlining the payment process and enhancing efficiency across the board.

Between 2014 and 2021, the global proportion of adults engaging in digital payments rose by 35%, reaching 57% in Sub-Saharan Africa. This surge has played a pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion in the region. The president of the World Bank Group underscores the importance of robust policies to facilitate access to formal accounts and financial services, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Digital Accounting

Digital innovation revolutionizes the African health sector by emphasizing digital payments, streamlining business operations and reducing cumbersome paperwork. Organizations, often managing payrolls with hundreds of employees, can now improve efficiency in payment verification and meticulous bookkeeping. Instead of manual calculations and record-keeping, systems automatically log transactions and swiftly generate precise accounting documents. However, achieving this efficiency requires comprehensive reform of the financial system as a whole within the nation. This entails innovating processes to automate manual tasks, integrating employee information seamlessly, verifying hours worked and implementing effective dispute-resolution mechanisms for payment-related issues.

Motivation Boost for Workers

Various programs have witnessed detrimental impacts on health services due to cash payments. For instance, in Côte d’Ivoire in 2019, delayed cash disbursements resulted in employee attrition and the postponement of a polio immunization project. Additionally, researchers identified disruptions in immunization patterns among recipients attributed to a lack of incentives for frontline health workers, including door-to-door vaccinators and campaign organizers.

According to the WHO, delayed and incomplete payments adversely affect the morale and satisfaction of frontline workers, leading to decreased motivation and challenges in retaining health campaign workers. However, digital innovation is transforming the African health sector. Through the World Health Organization’s Mobile Money digital payment system for health campaign workers, 99% of workers engaged in the polio immunization campaign in Mali and Ghana were paid on time, resulting in improved retention rates and successful program delivery across multiple districts.

Furthermore, the gender wage gap has narrowed as women gain greater autonomy and privacy over their financial affairs through advancements in digital finance. This progress promotes financial empowerment for women and fosters greater economic independence. Furthermore, digital innovation significantly enhances health care in Africa by improving the effectiveness and retention of health workers. These advancements yield notable results in critical health initiatives, such as immunization programs, ultimately contributing to improved health care outcomes across the continent.

– Tevin Mundo
Photo: Unsplash

, ,

How Wind Power in Nicaragua Is Alleviating Poverty

How Wind Power in Nicaragua Is Alleviating PovertyIn the heart of Central America, Nicaragua is making waves in the realm of sustainable energy. Amidst economic challenges and a history of poverty, the country is taking significant strides toward a brighter future by tapping into a vast and often underutilized resource—the power of the wind. The advent of wind power in Nicaragua, through groundbreaking initiatives in harnessing wind energy, not only addresses its energy needs but also catalyzes poverty alleviation.

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), nearly 25% of people in Nicaragua live in poverty, making it one of the poorest nations in Latin America. Furthermore, nearly 65% of the population works in agriculture— an unreliable industry due to the country being prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes and droughts.

Unfortunately in 2022, Nicaragua was hit by Hurricane Julia, which drove poverty in vulnerable areas up to 40%. Hazardous weather and the lack of jobs outside of farming means that much of the population is at a high risk of experiencing poverty.

The Potential of Wind Energy

With its strategic geographical location, Nicaragua boasts impressive wind resources, especially along its Pacific coast. According to EV Wind, the country has an average wind speed of 9 meters per second, making it an excellent location for wind farming. In fact, the wind farms have become vital contributors to the national energy grid— two farms, Amayo and Eolo, both located in the Rivas region, contribute massively to the country’s supply of energy.

According to data from Power Technology, the farms collectively offset nearly 300,000t of carbon dioxide emissions annually, aiding the country’s goal of generating 91% of its energy from renewable sources by 2027. The World Bank Group reported that the Eolo wind farm alone produces 7% of Nicaragua’s annual energy demand. By creating energy locally, the farms help to reduce the average marginal costs of generation, reducing the energy cost to the population.

Job Creation and Economic Growth

One of the immediate impacts of the investment into wind power in Nicaragua is the creation of employment opportunities. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis reported that since 2008, the employment rate has increased from 59% to 62% in 2022.

The country experienced a higher rate of 63% in 2017 and dipped to 60.5% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The construction, operation and maintenance of wind farms have generated jobs across various skill levels, providing income to local communities.

According to Wind Power International, the construction of the Eolo wind farm generated about 400 jobs, alongside 40 full-time positions that oversee ongoing operations. As these projects expand, so does the demand for a skilled workforce, further boosting Nicaragua’s economy and providing a pathway out of poverty for many.

Access to Clean Energy

One of the significant challenges faced by impoverished communities is the lack of access to reliable and affordable energy. The focus on wind power in Nicaragua plays a crucial role in overcoming this hurdle. The National Electric Transmission Company (ENATREL) published data stating in 2022, nearly 71% of Nicaragua’s energy came from renewable sources, including wind power, hydropower and geothermal power.

Furthermore, by diversifying its energy mix, the country is not only ensuring a more stable and resilient power supply but is also working toward making electricity more accessible to remote and underserved areas. The integration of wind power into Nicaragua’s energy grid has contributed to a reduction in the cost of electricity, making it more affordable for households and businesses alike.

However, CEIC Data reported that in 2008, Nicaragua’s household energy price was at an all-time high of $0.300 per kWh and experienced a record low of $0.220 in 2021. This data directly correlates with the installation of wind farm projects in the country, proving its hand in making electricity more accessible. This, in turn, stimulates economic activities, creating a positive cycle of growth that directly impacts poverty reduction.

International Collaboration and Investment

Nicaragua’s journey into wind power has attracted attention and support from the international community. Collaborations with foreign investors, NGOs and development agencies have facilitated the financing and implementation of ambitious wind energy projects.

For example, the OPEC Fund for International Development reported in 2020 that it had provided $25 million toward Phase I and II of the Caribbean Coast Rural Electrification Process. The project aims to provide reliable electricity to more than 300,000 people in remote areas of Nicaragua.

Moreover, this support not only brings in the necessary funds but also contributes to knowledge transfer and technology exchange, enhancing Nicaragua’s capabilities in sustainable energy development. Nicaragua’s bold steps toward harnessing wind power are transforming the nation’s energy landscape and, more importantly, the lives of its people.

In addition, the commitment to sustainable development, job creation and community empowerment exemplifies the potential of renewable energy as a catalyst for poverty alleviation. As the winds of change continue to blow, Nicaragua stands as a shining example of how strategic investments in clean energy can create a more equitable and prosperous future for a nation grappling with the challenges of poverty.

– Lauren McKenna
Photo: Flickr

, ,

Satellites: How Technology Is Combating Hunger

Technology Is Combating HungerThere is never a shortage of positive news across the globe when it comes to solutions and strategies to combat food insecurity. For a period, rising food prices seemed to be a worldwide dilemma, but the World Bank’s latest studies show a steady rise in the import and export of crops and grains. These numbers are projected to continue to grow and, in turn, decrease the costs of food prices. Although prices are returning to usual, other challenges still affect food security. Adverse weather is one of the top contributors to food insecurities. Fortunately, there is continued growth and expansion in the technological arena when it comes to helping predict and prepare for many of nature’s wiles. Here’s how satellite technology is combating hunger today.

On the Ground

Established in 1978, South-South Cooperation is a technical collaboration among developing countries in the Global South to foster effective communication to share skills and knowledge. This partnership has proven essential in facilitating technology transfer and quicker emergency responses, especially in times of disaster.

South-South has significantly influenced the current battle against hunger by focusing on new technology and its practices. The networking has proven monumental to the region and its contribution to the global economy. More than half of the world’s growth in recent times can be attributed to Southern countries. South-South leads the exchange of knowledge and expertise through diverse programs and projects to address specific issues in each country or region.

In the Air

Above the clouds lies an intricate satellite system with a program name as extensive as the day. The Global Agricultural Conditions Remote Sensing Early Reporting System (CropWatch) is the global leader in all remote monitoring systems. CropWatch currently covers six major grain-producing regions and 46 grain-producing and exporting countries.

CropWatch technology plays a crucial role in addressing hunger in various South-South regions by monitoring rainfall, temperatures and vegetation health. This comprehensive approach aids local farmers and growers prepare for diverse conditions, including El Niño. Established in 1998, CropWatch has become indispensable worldwide, contributing significantly to research and intuition and promoting healthy and sustainable crop growth.

Working Together

South-South and CropWatch share a longstanding collaboration, frequently joining forces on various projects and workshops. Their concerted efforts in disseminating theoretical knowledge and practical know-how play a vital role in the global fight against hunger through technology. Thus far, 11 African and Asian countries have benefitted from the assistance provided by these two collaborative programs.

Together, the programs implement effective warning systems for pest and plant diseases and help with action plans in the event of either. In August 2023, in efforts to combat crop growth issues, both programs hosted a workshop assisting farmers in the central regions of Africa to learn the CropWatch systems to manage irrigation.

What’s Next

The future looks promising, with technology firmly embedded in our lives and advancing rapidly. Each update and breakthrough brings us closer to a lasting solution for global hunger. Thanks to initiatives such as CropWatch and South-South, the trajectory toward sustainable food is already a reality. Notably, the impact of technology on combating hunger is evident, with food insecurity declining. As of 2023, more than 160 countries around the globe downloaded information about CropWatch, recognizing its pivotal role in each nation’s development.

– Ryan Johnson
Photo: Pixabay

,

Global Citizen App: Fighting Poverty from Your Pocket

Global Citizen: The App Fighting Poverty from Your Pocket Aiming to eradicate extreme poverty, Global Citizen has developed an app that combats poverty and promotes digital activism. The app offers educational resources, details about grassroots organizations and avenues for political action toward systemic change. It serves as a comprehensive guide on poverty and has attracted more than 500,000 downloads from social activists and changemakers globally.

Global Citizen’s Platform

Originally co-founded by Hugh Evans, Simon Moss and Wei Soo as the Global Poverty Project in 2008, the Global Citizen movement has grown from strength to strength and has become a world-leading humanitarian organization advocating for solidarity in the fight for poverty reduction.

Since its debut in 2012, the Global Citizen platform has gained fame for organizing the Global Citizen Festival, an annual music event that unites prominent artists and activists to pledge support and fundraise for initiatives aimed at alleviating global poverty.

Featuring headliners like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alicia Keys and Stevie Wonder, among others, the festival, in conjunction with various projects, partnerships and Global Citizen’s programs, has distributed $46.3 billion in funds to date,  which amounts to almost three times the $15.8 billion spent on Official Development Assistance (ODA) by the United Kingdom (U.K.) in 2022.

The App

With the continued success of the Global Citizen Festival, the newest addition to the Global Citizen platform is the app fighting poverty from the comfort of users’ pockets. Designed in collaboration with L+R, a global design and technology studio, the innovative app prompts users to take daily actionable steps to impact the fight for global poverty reduction.

With four primary categories encompassing actions, campaigns, content and goals & journeys, the app gives users autonomy to choose how to contribute to poverty reduction with activities ranging from re-tweeting important information to signing petitions and learning how to email MPs and government representatives.

Similar to several social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) the Global Citizen app provides access to the latest poverty-related news but uniquely links trending and breaking stories to actionable tasks in support of poverty reduction.
For example, adjacent to an article about implementing human rights reforms in Saudi Arabia, the Global Citizen app will use a ‘take action now’ button and directly link to relevant petitions calling on governmental bodies to act and acknowledge the voices of global citizens demanding for equity and justice worldwide.

The app further hosts quizzes addressing a variety of poverty-related topics which test users on their knowledge in an informal and gratifying setting while incentivizing further learning. Additionally, the app boasts rewards according to the number of points collected through actions taken. Each completed action amounts to a certain number, which, when combined, can be used to enter a variety of competitions. Prizes range from one-year subscriptions to online classes, to concert tickets for a variety of artists and together, bring the fight to end extreme poverty to the forefront of daily life.

Global Citizen: Shaping the Future

The Global Citizen motto, “This is our world and the actions of one can have a profound impact on many” is the incentive needed for people to collectively recognize their voice as a vehicle for impactful and long-lasting change. Through voting, tweeting, emailing, signing and petitioning, the Global Citizen app has created the nexus of digital technology and activism, making the personal political.

Not only does this close the gap between two intersecting systems, the public and their governments, but it also raises awareness and educates about the power of harnessing digital technology in the fight against extreme poverty. By downloading the Global Citizen app and fighting poverty at the touch of a button, real, impactful, systemic change can take place. Demanding action from world leaders and those in positions of power is not only a basic human right but the future of activism in a digital age.

– Zoe Winterfeldt
Photo: Flickr

, ,

Lack of Technology for Education for Bolivian Students

Technology for EducationThe challenges posed by the lack of technology for education have shaped the educational landscape for Bolivian students, marking a distinctive element of the nation’s developmental course. While Bolivia struggles with the challenges posed by the digital divide, economic researchers are examining the intricate relationship between technological accessibility and academic opportunities. They aim to shed light on the profound implications on educational advancement and prospects of Bolivian students.

Root Causes of the Lack of Technology in Education

The lack of technology for education for Bolivian students can be attributed to a mix of factors, painting a complex picture of the challenges facing their education system. One significant contributor is the economic disparity prevalent in the country, where a considerable portion of the population faces financial constraints hindering their access to modern educational tools.

Limited infrastructure, especially in remote and rural areas, accelerates the problem, making it difficult to establish reliable internet connectivity and access to electronic devices.

Much of Bolivia’s citizenry remains poor, thus lacking widespread “Information and Communications Technology” (ICT) use.

According to Bolivia’s telecoms authority’s data, only about 40% of Bolivians and only 3% in rural areas have internet access. These households experienced the region’s worst connection speed. Therefore, it is uneasy to introduce ICT in secondary schools in this kind of setting, knowing the issue of the lack of technology for education is prominent.

Challenges of Lack of Technology for Education

The absence of advanced technological tools in classrooms hinders students’ access to current information and interactive learning experiences. This digital divide perpetuates inequality, as students in impoverished areas face disparities in educational opportunities compared to their counterparts in more affluent regions. Educational disadvantage translates into a workforce needing more digital skills for contemporary jobs, perpetuating low-income employment opportunities. Insufficient access to quality education perpetuates a cycle of poverty, limiting opportunities for individuals and communities.

Solving Lack of Technology for Education

Help Bolivia Foundation – Started in 2018 as a prominent foundation incorporated in Canada, it aims to alleviate poverty resulting from the lack of technology by funding educators and equipment to teach basic computer skills to 24 students over a year. With the purchase of six new computers for the dedicated computer room, the initiative provides a vital opportunity for these students to acquire fundamental computer skills, internet knowledge and proficiency in software packages such as Office. The Help Bolivia Foundation has made strides in providing a platform for these students to access technology, empowering them with the tools necessary for future success and socioeconomic advancement.

One Student, One Computer – Operating since 2014, “One Student, One Computer” strives to address the adverse impact of technological poverty on education and subsequently alleviate poverty. With an emphasis on improving access to information and technology, the program, aligned with the Patriotic Agenda 2025, aspires to enhance the quality of education in Bolivia.

Through initiatives like providing Quipus computers with tactile screens, rotating cameras and wireless connectivity, the program aims to make classes interactive, bridging the digital gap. These computers, costing $410 each and assembled locally, cater to the needs of private high schools and garner interest from countries like Argentina, Ecuador and Peru. The success of initiatives like the “Yes I Can” program has played a pivotal role, culminating in UNESCO declaring Bolivia free of illiteracy in December 2008.

Conclusion

Researchers and education organizations alike have become more conscious of the critical need to address the use of technology in the classroom. Efforts like the “One Student, One Computer” program gained traction. There is hope for bridging the technological gap and fostering a more equitable educational environment, paving the way for enhanced socioeconomic development in Bolivia.

– Mahima Bhat
Photo: Flickr

,

How Technology Transformed Moldova

Technology Transformed MoldovaThe Republic of Moldova has dedicated much effort to reaching developmental sustainability since its inception in 1991. After decades of struggles and considerable overlapping crises over the past few years, the nation is one of the poorest in Europe. The country’s progress towards addressing its more in-need residents has come under stress from the pressures of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine; demanding new avenues of development to keep the nation afloat- such as increasing investment in a tech-led future.

In the past decades, the country has come to focus heavily on its investment in tech sectors. Technology transformed Moldova, providing blueprints the government is still actively pursuing. With the influx of roughly 113,000 Ukrainian refugees into the country since the start of the war, those tech-focused initiatives and aid programs are going to become essential in the decade to come. Moldova is in a unique position as far as countries struggling with high levels of poverty go, as the country boasts a developed technological infrastructure, with 3G coverage in more than 99% of the country and 4G coverage in more than 95%. Moldova has the foundations to build measures that can affect all the country’s needy.

2020 Digital Moldova

In 2013, the Moldovan government pledged to implement a comprehensive development initiative for the nation called “Digital Moldova 2020” to foster sustainability in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. By enhancing national Internet coverage, facilitating access to new government digital services and ensuring stable Internet connections, the program has yielded significant returns in providing Internet accessibility to those who can leverage its benefits. With 98% coverage across the country, Moldova is well-positioned to capitalize on the advantages of digitization. This includes collaborations such as its partnership with the US-based “Betterthancash,” a G20 partner, which aims to simplify and digitize government payments for the economically disadvantaged population in Moldova.

Technology transformed Moldova and its infrastructure to such a degree that in 2023, the Ministry of Economy revealed its extension to push the achievements of the digitization efforts further up to 2030. Plans are now being laid down to create digital channels between the friction points of communication between citizens and the authorities, services, or companies. All are improving the viability for digital-reliant companies to expand within Moldova and even creating the opportunity for a “Digital Education” focused program. Lacking digital education is a vulnerability that has become apparent following the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Energy Poverty

Following the occupation of Ukraine, inflation rose to 34% in August 2022 and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has reported more than 60% of the country is living with “energy poverty” stipulations despite all the progress of the “digital Moldova 2020” strategy. Hence, the Moldova government birthed the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund, leveraging EU partners and rapid development provisions to compensate those most affected by these compounding challenges. Thanks to these efforts, the UNDP observed significant improvement over 2023, with a 43% reduction in energy poverty and 83% of natural gas bills covered within the fund.

Education

Improving technological infrastructure has profoundly affected the education system, with the EU presenting digital laboratories for schools, offering more opportunities for future generations. Further, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has worked to set up ambitious EDUTech laboratories across 81 schools. With the provision of modern equipment and IT lesson plans, UNICEF hopes to open avenues into STEM fields for the nation’s young and learning for the displaced refugees who have had their lives halted by the conflict in Ukraine.

EU4Molvoda has invested heavily in tech-powered infrastructure improvements, too. This includes providing IT equipment to 15 kindergartens in the Chaul and Ungeheni Municipalities. Additionally, they have established a new water supply network in Ugheni, ensuring safe drinking water for more than 24,000 people. Moreover, EU4Molvoda has set up temporary refugee shelters with light generators, heaters and electric fans, all in pursuit of reinforced sustainability in the face of Moldova’s modern crises.

Final Remark

The Republic of Moldova has been placed under many compounding crises in recent years. The rapid development of modern technologies and their intelligent implementation has allowed the country to withstand and even build up. Reacting to the refugee crisis and accepting targeted aid has provided opportunities for rapid development, empowering the country’s youth and relieving people experiencing poverty. There is a long way to go for the nation, notably being one of the poorest countries in Europe. Still, with increasing commitments to Technology-led 2020, the Republic is poised towards a technology-transformed Moldova.

– Brandon Murphy
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

,

Technology Reduces Poverty: Jeremiah’s Magic School Bus

Technology Reduces Poverty“At the Age of 25, I got to know about computers and ever since it has impacted my life in a very remarkable way.”Jeremiah Cooper is a post-war survivor of Liberia and these were his first words to The Borgen Project during an interview in early 2024. He faced harrowing trials throughout his life, but those experiences only encouraged him to be a positive force in the world.

How Technology Reduces Poverty

Many studies have tackled the correlation between poverty and access to technology and the results indicate that access to the internet and poverty rates are directly associated. Technology reduces poverty, at least when that technology provides access to the Internet. That association goes as far as the life expectancy of a given household. The Rockefeller Foundation concluded that even a small bump in Africa’s access to the Internet evolved into a considerable improvement in the country’s economy.

Knowledge Is Power

However, the Internet is not the only barrier to economic improvement in poorer areas. The knowledge to use that access to further one’s goals is essential. The World Bank found that the number of people using the Internet provided to them decreased in 2021. More than half of Africa now has Internet access, yet less than a quarter of the population uses it.

This is where intervention occurs and this is where people like Jeremiah Cooper step in to help. Cooper is the founder of the New Breed Tech Hub. He used his technology to reduce poverty and improve life. He eventually built a computer lab, believing that digital education would help his community help themselves.

“Knowing how to use basic computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, the internet browser and other basic digital literacy skills and tools has greatly empowered me over the years, ranging from applying for mini-grants to a fully funded Mandela Washington fellowship.”

Bringing It to the People

However, Cooper discovered a problem with his initial operation. “I still found out that there were lots more women and youths who desired to attend our computer classes, but our location was a little bit too far for them and it would cost them a lot more money in transportation to attend our classes at our computer lab.”

A taxi ride in Liberia can cost as much as $2 per mile. At best, the average household below the extreme poverty line survives on $1.9 daily. A taxi ride costs their entire daily living wage. It is just not equitable.

Never one to give up or let his hope diminish, Cooper found a solution. He built a mobile computer lab to bring technology to the people. “It would be costly to operate multiple computer labs at different locations. It was then that I started to think of converting a yellow school bus into a mobile computer lab.” Cooper has helped more than a thousand people since beginning this venture, but he is unsatisfied. He wants to help more. He is focused on expansion, working on the belief that technology reduces poverty and access is the largest barrier towards long-term economic growth and, in turn, freedom for his home and his people.

– Antonio Muhs
Photo: Flickr

,

The Rise of Digital Adherence Technologies for Tuberculosis

Digital Adherence TechnologiesAccording to a report by the World Health Organization, more than 80% of tuberculosis (TB) cases and deaths were associated with low and middle-income countries in 2022. Common poverty conditions, such as crowding and inadequate ventilation, were found to contribute greatly to its spread. 

To treat tuberculosis, patients are required to undergo months of antibiotic therapy. Directly observed therapy (DOT), is a widely employed strategy that relies on confirming patient adherence to treatment protocol, where health care workers observe patients taking anti-TB medication. However, DOT requires significant time and resources for health care providers and patients. Digital Adherence Technologies (DATs), on the other hand, are digital tools (internet, phones, computers, or detectors) that allow patients to take their medication at their convenience while adherence is relayed to healthcare providers without direct observation. As a modern strategy to combat TB, DATs can help affected individuals and families from a wide range of income levels by reducing implementation costs over time.

Types of Digital Adherence Technologies

Several types of DATs can be implemented to improve TB treatment outcomes:

  1. Medication sleeves/labels are a form of custom packaging on fixed-dose anti-TB medication that contains a unique code the patient can use to report adherence. After removing a pill, the patient is required to call a toll-free phone number or send a free SMS message to submit the code and prove daily consumption. This DAT was first implemented in India and is now used throughout Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Nigeria, the Philippines, Tanzania and Uganda. 
  2. Equipped with a sensor and mobile data connection, Smart Pill Boxes alert healthcare providers to patient medication adherence whenever they are opened. This DAT includes features such as a rechargeable battery and a LED and/or speaker to enable reminders and has been implemented in 20 countries with varying income levels, including Brazil, Mozambique, and China.
  3. Video Supported Treatment (VAT) requires patients to use a secure remote application to record then upload videos of themselves ingesting medication that the provider can later access. This DAT has been implemented in 17 countries, spanning across Asia and Africa.

DATs have varying costs, levels of accessibility and ease of implementation. Poverty, resource limitations and insufficient infrastructure can pose challenges to implementing these technologies. Medication sleeves require phone access and communication infrastructure to support phone calls or text messages. Smart pillboxes require adherence platform access but are user-friendly and work with various pill types. VATs require phone access, mobile data or Wi-Fi and an in-country server to store video files yet are considered suitable for use with different drug types.  These requirements help determine the logistics of implementing a DAT for a specific country.

Implementing Digital Adherence Technologies

The Stop TB Partnership and the ASCENT Project are two organizations among many that continually research and implement digital adherence technologies for tuberculosis treatment. The Stop TB Partnership funded the implementation of medication sleeves and video-observed treatment in Nigeria, where tuberculosis rates are high, from October 2021 to August 2022. According to a December 2023 report, more than 7,600 patients received digital adherence technologies through this project. Patients achieved success with a medication sleeve called 99DOTS, but limited access to smartphones and network difficulties hindered the success of video observed treatment. The project highlighted the importance of digital adherence technologies with low technology requirements, especially in remote locations. 

In 2021, the ASCENT project, organized and funded by Unitaid, began implementing smart pill boxes and medication sleeves in Ethiopia, a low-income country with a high tuberculosis burden. The project provided more than 4,000 people with DATs. In November 2023, the ASCENT team reported broad acceptance of the technologies among patients with tuberculosis, high national support, and concerns regarding costs. The project also revealed ways leaders could improve and increase the use of digital adherence technologies in Ethiopia in the future. 

Conclusion

Digital adherence technologies offer several strategies to support tuberculosis patients through months of medications. Implementing these tools in areas of poverty presents challenges to overcome, including limited resources and frail infrastructure. To this end, organizations will continue to implement, research, and improve the use of DATs for tuberculosis treatment around the world.

– Kelly Carroll
Photo: Flickr

, ,

Fighting Poverty With Data in Africa

Fighting Poverty With DataThe digital revolution in the 20th century brought a host of sweeping changes to the way populations live and work. Among them is the importance of data in addressing global challenges, such as poverty. Data provides the basis for informed decision-making and bridges the gaps to solutions for those most impoverished.

Data in low-income countries is typically collected through in-person household surveys that are on paper, extensive, often costly and infrequent. Organizations throughout Africa are partnering on projects that strive to change that. Here are four projects fighting poverty with data in Africa.

Open Data in Sierra Leone’s Mining Communities

Mining communities in the West African country of Sierra Leone are vulnerable to extreme poverty. The diamond mining industry in Sierra Leone generates hundreds of millions of dollars; however, there is a lack of transparency regarding the allocation of these funds. Evidence suggests that a significant portion rarely returns to local communities, highlighting issues such as a lack of oversight in the sector and inadequate compensation for the labor involved.

In 2022, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) launched the Disclosure to Development “D2D” Sierra Leone Project to tackle the lack of data surrounding mining revenue flows. The project seeks to address this issue by forming partnerships with local government agencies and engaging local individuals interested in data collection. The IFC aims to utilize the collected data to create markets and opportunities for the local community.

Boosting Data Accumulation in Kenya

In 2007, the World Bank collaborated with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) to improve data collection to bolster development. In 2019, they improved data collection efforts from a 15-year gap between population reports to a quarterly gap. This included technical assistance to create an online archive for the government, transitioning over from pen and paper. KNBS also implemented several surveys to ascertain updated labor and poverty statistics quarterly.

The frequent dissemination of results also boosted the Kenyan economy by providing more frequent and reliable financial metrics for figures such as GDP. Although the data collection project concluded in 2020, the World Bank reported in Nairobi in 2023 that the Kenyan government is actively working to ensure that the benefits of the partnership’s progress are equally distributed among the poor and vulnerable populations.

Data Collection Framework in Madagascar

Data and Evidence to End Extreme Poverty, a consortium of universities and governmental organizations, developed Measurement Indicators for Resilience Analysis (MIRA) as part of their central mission in fighting poverty with data in Africa. MIRA is a data collection framework that collaborates with community members who take surveys via mobile applications. The data collected measure factors such as the persistence of natural disasters and statistics contributing to a household’s resilience.

This gathered data is then provided to relief organizations serving the populations most affected. Using low-cost, platform-based systems and relying on “enumerators,” who are locals from within the community of focus, the data is updated monthly. This frequent updating ensures the availability of actionable information for communities and organizations seeking to provide support.

Multilateral Data Project in Mozambique

In 2022, the African Development Bank (AFDB) and the World Bank’s Geo-Enabling Initiative extended membership of their Remote Appraisal Supervision, Monitoring and Evaluation (RASME) project to Mozambique (the sixth African country to join). With Mozambique’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, the program launched with the capability for both online and offline usage in remote areas using satellite and smartphones.

RASME allows for more timely and accurate monitoring of multilateral AFDB initiatives in Mozambique, focusing on wide-ranging sectors to help the population. These include “agriculture, transportation, water, sanitation, energy, communications, mining and finance.” Beyond helping the populations in these areas, the partnership has resulted in more than a billion U.S. dollars of investment into Mozambique.

Final Remark

As the digital revolution continues to progress, the necessity for timely and accurate data collection to increase solutions and aid for the areas that are most in need cannot be under-appraised. From protecting local populations to creating multilateral economic opportunities, data collection can have positive impacts on countries that need it most.

– Ava Johnson
Photo: Flickr

, ,

UK AI for Development Program

UK AI for Development Program Aims to Boost AI Benefits in AfricaOn November 1st and 2nd 2023, the United Kingdom (U.K.) in collaboration with a host of different international partners, such as The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the government of Canada and local partners in Africa launched the U.K. AI for development program. The initiative unveiled at the AI safety summit at Bletchley Park, seeks to utilize AI to alleviate some of the most salient challenges felt by developing nations, harnessing this technology to speed up drug development, tackling food insecurity and using cutting-edge technology to create a more equitable and prosperous future.

The U.K. AI for development program pledged £80 million to be able to achieve its goals with the U.K. providing £38 million worth of funding to tackle the aforementioned issues and to spur technology-led innovation within the African population, facilitating long-term development.

Tackling Food Insecurity

Sub-Saharan Africa experiences the most severe effects of undernutrition, with some countries seeing a regression in nutritional improvements contrary to global trends, including rising cases of conditions like stunting. The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have significantly hindered progress in addressing food insecurity. The pandemic has disrupted supply chains, while the conflict has driven up global food prices. Additionally, climate change with its most acute impacts in the global south, threatens food security by disrupting the factors necessary for food production.

U.K. AI for development program will aid in alleviating these challenges by integrating AI into Sub-Saharan African practices, in which farmers are generally operating through non-mechanized practices. The introduction of AI will allow for the uptake of the different facets of ‘precision farming’ which allows for more food production through the reduction of wastage and accurate allocation of resources, more reactive and informed planting decisions with regards to conditions induced by climate change, the reduction of inputs (conservation) and improved market efficiency and technology such as geographic information systems, microcomputers, and global navigation satellite systems to inform the farmers on optimal seed selection, crop rotations, irrigation and various other decision processes in the production process.

AI-led soil fertility measurement systems can identify yield-limiting factors, guiding farmers on the optimal locations for planting crops to maximize production and advising where to avoid planting until chemical balances become more favorable. Moreover, this boost in production can complement AI-based market tools that enhance communication among market participants. As a result, consumers gain access to more affordable and diverse food options, while reducing wastage that often results from overestimating market size. Together, these innovations contribute to mitigating the factors that lead to food insecurity.

AI for Development: Medical Innovation

In part, £100 million in funding will be used to accelerate the use of AI in health care and medical sciences. AI when used in conjunction with medical practices can have significant positive impacts on tackling disease, hospital function and inefficiencies in drug development, all of which contribute to mortality rates, disability rates and hospitalization all of which have the potential to stifle the prosperity of a nation.

Through the U.K. AI for development program, Africa can benefit, by reducing the traditionally protracted timeline associated with drug production, which is typically 10-15 years and costs approximately $2.5 Billion. Furthermore, Africa is primarily an importer of foreign medicines, relying on Asian-made supplies, but utilizing AI will allow these barriers, such as the high cost to be reduced and so will allow Africa to participate in the pharmaceutical development process.

Additionally, health care services can access crucial patient data in a more streamlined, contextual and timely manner. Efforts are underway to facilitate remote consultations via AI, especially in rural areas where distances from health care facilities pose challenges.

Technology Fluency and AI Innovation

The U.K. AI for Development Programme acknowledges the critical role of African nations in the discourse on AI and its future. It mirrors the U.K.’s aim to use AI as a ‘force for good.’ Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation, emphasizes the power of inclusivity. This approach enables Africans to transition from merely consuming high technology and AI to producing it. The initiative specifically aims to ensure that at least five African nations become influential in the global conversation about AI.

They must be able to keep pace with this AI ‘revolution’ and not fall victim to previous lags in technological advances due to a lack of local capacity and knowledge, to be able to experience self-determined social growth. Examples of how this will be achieved are through investment in post-graduate study programmes in Nigeria and the provision of locally focussed data sets which are open to use for the country.

Leap Forward in Sub-Saharan Africa

The U.K. AI for Development program, in collaboration with African partners, recognizes the essential criteria for the success of AI technologies: relevance, affordability and usability within the communities they aim to benefit. By actively engaging with local organizations that share their vision, the project is significantly enhancing technological literacy in Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative stands as a beacon of innovation, demonstrating the profound impact that tailored, accessible AI solutions can have in transforming lives and fostering sustainable development across the region.

– Tevin Muendo
Photo: Unsplash