In every corner of the world, people know the famous Coca-Cola logo. There are few places on the entire planet that a person might venture to and find Coke products scarce and in low supply, including underdeveloped nations. If the Coca-Cola Company has access to these distant regions and manages to vend their products, why do these nations go without vital medications and health treatments?

Simon Berry, a worker for UK Aid, originally had this question which led to the birth of an organization: ColaLife. ColaLife began on the Internet in 2008, and since, has gained thousands of online-based supporters. Running on a staff primarily composed of volunteers, ColaLife utilizes the same means that the Coca-Cola Company and other worldwide producers use to put their products in every place they can. The organization accomplishes these goals by making use of innovations and networks, like those at Coca-Cola, and opening supply chains and distribution channels for simple medications to reach those in need.

The statistics speak for themselves – in many of these developing areas of the world, 1 in 9 children die at very young ages to preventable diseases, such as diarrhea, the second largest killer of children. Statistics such as this one are what prompted Simon and others to put the plans for ColaLife in motion and provide assistance and medicine in areas where they were previously inaccessible.

Aside from donations and sponsorships, ColaLife has also taken to the internet and social media to bring awareness to these preventable deaths and their mission to end them. The independent non-profit group can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and they also maintain YouTube and SoundCloud channels.

– Ryan Miller

Sources: ColaLife, Product Design of The Year 2013
Photo: The Dieline