Pop!Tech "Project M" Solution to Public Health Crises in South Africa and Beyond

Text messaging just got serious. Pop!Tech unveiled Project Masiluleke by using the power of mobile technology to help reverse the HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) crises in South Africa. The project is using the cell phone as a high-impact, low-cost means to deliver healthcare information and catalyze increased testing.

 

“Project M exemplifies the promise and potential of the Pop!Tech Accelerator: bring together visionary people, foster world-class collaborations, and help generate world-changing results,” said Andrew Zolli, curator and executive director, Pop!Tech.

 

Project Masiluleke, which means “to give wise counsel” and “lend a helping hand” in Zulu is hoping to reach millions in South Africa. With a population of 48 million people and where 90% use mobile phones Project M is hoping to spread the word about critical health-related information, as well as lifesaving HIV and TB resources.

 

“After 26 years of an AIDS epidemic in South Africa, I feel we’ve arrived at a point – and a solution – where we can finally end this crisis,” said Zinny Thabethe, deputy director of iTeach and a catalytic force in Project M’s development.”

 

Contributors include pro-social mobile messaging group the Praekelt Foundation; HIV and TB outreach organization iTeach; cellular telecommunications company, MTN; communications enabler Nokia (News - Alert) Siemens Networks and non-profit scientific and educational organization, the National Geographic Society.

 

The stages of Project M include:

 

“Since Project M was initiated, we have observed a dramatic increase in the call rate to the AIDS Helpline – from approximately 1,300 calls per day to a new average of 3,600,” said Milo Zama, Projects Development Manager, LifeLine Southern Africa. “Our sincere appreciation goes to the Praekelt team for their tireless efforts to make this endeavor so successful. We are looking forward to strengthening this partnership further, so as to broaden the reach and impact of the AIDS Helpline's vital services.”

 

Pop!Tech is an ideas summit and social innovation network dedicated to accelerating the positive impact of world-changing people and ideas.