Richard Assheton has half a decade's experience reporting from across Europe, Africa and Asia for news brands including The Times, the Financial Times and the Guardian, covering global events and producing exclusive news and features. His subjects are not always easy interviews: he has sought out ...

Mushroom-spotting apps are big in France. So are poisonings

10 Nov 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Technology and Health

In France, the popularity of mushroom-spotting apps like Champignouf and Picture Mushroom has coincided with a rise in mushroom poisonings, prompting warnings from health authorities. The National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (Anses) cautions against relying on these apps due to their potential inaccuracies, which have been linked to a significant number of poisonings. Traditional foraging knowledge is declining, with fewer pharmacists trained in mycology, leading foragers to rely on apps and online resources. Despite the risks, some foragers continue to use traditional methods, while others, like Jordan Monnot, develop new tools such as the Mushroom Hunters app to predict mushroom-rich areas.

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Technology and Health Mushroom Poisoning Foraging

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Busani Bafana is a journalist based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Scared of Sharps? This MAP Shows the Way to Delivering Painless Vaccines

23 Jan 2024  |  www.primanews.org  |  English  |  Health & Fitness

A South Korean company, QuadMedicine, has developed an innovative micro-needle patch (MAP) for painless, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly vaccine and drug administration. The MAP combines the benefits of patches and syringes, with tiny needles that are almost painless and deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients efficiently. The MAP is stable at room temperature, easily transportable, and can be recycled safely. QuadMedicine is planning clinical trials for their MAP technology, which could be particularly beneficial for low- and middle-income countries by reducing the amount of antigen needed for vaccinations. The World Health Organization notes the importance of managing health care waste, as 16 billion injections are administered annually worldwide.

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Technology Health & Fitness Medical

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Joshua Burns is a full-time writer and editor for a content creation agency based in Madrid, Spain. Aside from his daily digital copywriting work, he has been published in The Irish TImes and writes bi-montly articles for English-language learners in the newspaper DGratis, based in Salamanca. He ...

Variability between Different Hand-Held Dynamometers for Measuring Muscle Strength

14 Mar 2024  |  www.mdpi.com  |  English  |  Health & Fitness

The study investigates the variability between six commercially available hand-held dynamometers for measuring isometric muscle strength in thirty healthy individuals. The dynamometers tested include Citec, Nicholas, MicroFET2, Commander, Jamar Plus, and Baseline Hydraulic. The study found that several dynamometers can be used interchangeably for measuring muscle strength, which maximizes the use of normative reference values. The Commander dynamometer under-recorded muscle strength compared to the others. The study enhances the utility of hand-held dynamometers in clinical and research settings by supporting the interchangeability of different models.

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Technology Health & Fitness Medical Research

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I am an experienced multimedia reporter and writer now focusing on sexuality, women’s rights and early childhood.
Earlier in my career I spent a decade as a foreign correspondent in Latin America. I worked for the BBC in Venezuela when Hugo Chávez died, and my work has appeared in numerous ...

Sad? Happy? Happier? My Eight Weeks On A Happiness App

22 Nov 2024  |  flipboard.com  |  English  |  Mental Health

The article explores the author's personal journey using a happiness app over eight weeks, reflecting on the belief that happiness increases with age due to improved coping mechanisms. The narrative combines personal anecdotes with insights into the app's impact on mental well-being, offering a balanced view without strong bias.

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Technology Mental Health

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Nicholas Fearn is a journalist based in Neath, United Kingdom.

I spent a month with an AI therapist – this is what happened

29 Sept 2024  |  Metro  |  English  |  Mental Health

The author shares their month-long experience using Wysa, an AI therapy chatbot, to manage mental health challenges. Despite initial skepticism, the author finds the AI tool surprisingly helpful for providing empathetic responses and practical advice, though it cannot replace human therapists. The article highlights the benefits and limitations of AI therapy, including issues with connection errors and repetitive advice. The author appreciates having immediate support during difficult times and plans to continue using Wysa as a supplementary emotional support tool.

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AI Technology Mental Health

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Sarah Finley is a journalist based in London. She has worked on Lifestyle print and online desks including at Femail (Mail Online), Womanandhone.com, Closer, Bella, Woman, Stylist.co.uk

She has also written travel, beauty, lifestyle and in-depth features for the BBC, Independent and the Evening ...

Garmin Lily 2 review: A sleek, easy way to keep your health and fitness goals on track

01 Sept 2024  |  www.techradar.com  |  English  |  Health and Fitness

The Garmin Lily 2 is a lightweight smartwatch praised for its sleek design and suitability for both fitness tracking and everyday wear. It offers 18 workout profiles, sleep tracking, and a body battery feature, though it lacks some sports tracking options like tennis and indoor cycling. The watch's touchscreen can be unresponsive, and while it provides basic stats on the watch, more detailed data is available through the Garmin Connect app. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to five days. Overall, the Garmin Lily 2 is recommended for those seeking a stylish fitness tracker, though it has some limitations compared to competitors like the Apple Watch.

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Technology Health and Fitness

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Peter Guest is a writer, editor, producer and photographer, based in Southeast Asia. His work has appeared in Nikkei Asian Review, the Atlantic, Newsweek, the Financial Times, Wired, the Guardian, the Wall Street Journal and others. He has reported from more than 40 countries across five continents,...

Kyiv Is Using Homegrown Tech to Treat the Trauma of War

16 Feb 2024  |  www.wired.com  |  English  |  Mental Health

Kyiv is leveraging its digital platform, Kyiv Digital, to address the widespread mental health crisis caused by Russia's invasion. The city government, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, is developing a system to provide mental health support, focusing initially on war veterans, children, teachers, and parents. The project aims to digitize mental health services to meet the increased demand and overcome resource limitations. The initiative is seen as crucial for Ukraine's resilience and postwar recovery, with potential lessons for other cities facing similar crises.

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Technology Mental Health War in Ukraine

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Political View

Pablo Hernández Mares is a freelance science journalist based in Guadalajara, Mexico. Proficient in audio and video editing. Specialized in creating multimedia content for science and technology. Musical producer for news and special reports.

Therapeutic Options of Laser Technology in Urogynecological Pathologies

30 Oct 2024  |  espanol.medscape.com  |  Spanish  |  Laser Technology

The article discusses the potential therapeutic applications of laser technology in treating various urogynecological conditions. Dr. Maryory Gómez Cárdenas emphasizes that while scientific societies call for more studies to establish laser as a viable treatment, its use is not prohibited. The article highlights the use of laser in both non-infectious and infectious pathologies, as well as pelvic floor disorders. It also references studies showing the effectiveness of erbium and CO2 lasers in treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause. The article concludes with recommendations for laser use in urinary incontinence and stresses the importance of trained medical professionals handling these technologies.

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Women's Health Laser Technology Urogynecology

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Ali khan is a journalist based in Paris, France.
worked in BBC

Neuralink Video Shows Patient Playing Chess Using Brain Implant

21 Mar 2024  |  The Morning News  |  English  |  Technology

Elon Musk’s Neuralink demonstrated a brain implant allowing a quadriplegic patient, Noland Arbaugh, to control a computer mouse and play chess. The implant, called Telepathy, involves inserting electrodes into the brain. Despite some issues, Arbaugh found the surgery easy and highlighted its life-changing benefits. Neuralink aims to translate brain signals into commands for external devices, potentially aiding conditions like ALS. Dr. Marco Baptista from the Reeve Foundation calls for more scientific reports to assess Neuralink’s impact.

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Health & Fitness Technology Medical

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Cleide Klock is a journalist based in Los Angeles, United States of America.
- More than 20 years of experience, working for major TV stations, magazines, radio stations, and online media;
- Editor, reporter, producer, camerawoman, and proofreader;
- Covering breaking news, politics, business, ...

Genetics and artificial intelligence help fight breast cancer

29 Apr 2024  |  CNN Brasil  |  Portuguese  |  Health & Fitness

Advancements in genetics, new technologies, and artificial intelligence are increasingly aiding in the prevention of breast cancer. In Brazil, two bills are being processed to include genetic tests in the public health system (SUS) for women with a family history of breast cancer. Dr. Jorge Reis Filho, director of experimental pathology at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, notes that genetic mapping can inform patients about their daughters' risks and treatment options. The FDA has approved the first software for automatic diagnosis, initially for prostate cancer, with expectations to extend its use to breast cancer and other types within a year.

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Technology Health & Fitness Medical

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I'm a journalist and feature writer open to work.

ASX Health Stocks: Algorae’s update on AI-powered drugs discovery platform

08 Mar 2024  |  www.theaustralian.com.au  |  English  |  Health & Fitness

Algorae is developing an AI-powered drug discovery platform called AlgoraeOS, in collaboration with AI experts from the University of New South Wales. The platform, which uses machine learning and neural network algorithms, is designed to predict combination drug targets and relies on a vast database of medical and scientific information. Data acquisition is ongoing, with contributions from pharmaceutical companies like Merck and Co and Novartis AG. AlgoraeOS will also utilize Gadi, the most powerful supercomputer in the Southern Hemisphere, operated by NCI Australia, and is expected to be operational in Q3 of this year.

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Technology Health & Fitness

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Jung-Hun Lee is a journalist.

Substantiation and Effectiveness of Remote Monitoring System Based on IoMT Using Portable ECG Device

16 Aug 2024  |  MDPI  |  English  |  Cardiovascular Health

The study evaluates the effectiveness of a portable ECG device, HiCardi, based on IoMT technology for remote cardiovascular monitoring. Conducted in South Korea, the research involved 2000 participants and demonstrated the device's capability to detect abnormal cardiovascular signals, leading to timely diagnoses and interventions. Despite legal challenges in South Korea regarding remote healthcare, the study highlights the potential of IoMT devices in preventative healthcare. The research also discusses the regulatory environment in South Korea and compares it with more liberal frameworks in the US and EU, which have facilitated the integration of remote monitoring technologies. The study concludes with a call for further research to enhance the predictive capabilities of IoMT devices using AI.

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IoMT Technology Cardiovascular Health Remote Monitoring

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Coco is an award-winning journalist, writing primarily about energy and climate change for a global audience. She has reported from across Asia, particularly in China, on topics ranging from carbon trading to sustainable logging. Her work appears on the New York Times website and in Scientific ...

A Startup Takes Its Sweat Sensors Global in the Extreme Heat Era

10 Feb 2025  |  news.bloombergtax.com  |  English  |  Wearable Technology

Epicore Biosystems, a Cambridge-based startup, has raised $26 million in a Series B funding round to expand its sweat sensor technology globally. The wearable patches, designed to prevent dehydration and heat stress, have been distributed to over 15,000 workers in the US, Japan, and Australia. The technology provides real-time hydration recommendations, highlighting its role in climate adaptation and health management.

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Health Wearable Technology Climate Adaptation

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Juma Majanga is a journalist.

AI enhances maternal health care in Kenya, experts say

18 Sept 2024  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Maternal Health

University students in Kenya are developing an AI-based application, Mama’s Hub, to reduce maternal mortality by enabling remote monitoring of pregnant women. The technology, supported by the National Research Fund, allows healthcare workers to track vital signs and provide timely interventions. It has been tested in Nakuru and aims to expand nationwide, improving prenatal care and record-keeping. Key figures involved include David Saruni and Moses Thiga, with positive feedback from healthcare professionals like Wendy Tirop.

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Healthcare Technology Maternal Health Artificial Intelligence

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Alyssa Moxley is a writer and audio producer based in Athens, Greece. She is available for investigative reports, detailed cultural analysis, and interviews for print and radio. She is also available for audio recording (for radio or video) needs with high quality equipment. She has expertise in ...

ScarJo vs. ChatGPT, Neuralink’s First Patient Opens Up, and Microsoft’s A.I. PCs

24 May 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Technology

The article discusses three major topics: OpenAI's controversial use of a voice assistant resembling Scarlett Johansson, Neuralink's first patient Noland Arbaugh sharing his transformative experience with the brain-computer interface, and Microsoft's announcement of new A.I.-integrated PCs. OpenAI faced backlash for allegedly mimicking Johansson's voice without permission, leading to public statements and legal considerations. Neuralink's technology significantly improved Arbaugh's quality of life, showcasing the potential of brain-computer interfaces. Microsoft introduced A.I. PCs with enhanced processing capabilities, aiming to revolutionize personal computing, though concerns about privacy and data usage were raised.

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Health Technology Artificial Intelligence Celebrity

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Faustine Ngila is Kenya's renowned technology journalist based in Nairobi.
He has reported widely on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, covering emerging technologies and innovations in Kenya and Africa.
He writes for the Daily Nation, Business Daily, Taifa Leo and The East African. He is one of a ...

Young Africans turn to smartphones to expand access to sexual and reproductive health

05 Nov 2024  |  Afcacia  |  English  |  Sexual and Reproductive Health

Young Africans are increasingly using smartphones and social media to advocate for improved sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). At the Sexual Violence Research Initiative Forum in Cape Town, panelists discussed how digital platforms empower youth to reshape public health conversations and break cultural stigmas. With a significant portion of Africa's population under 35, technology is being leveraged to enhance access to SRHR services, address issues like teenage pregnancy and HIV, and provide community-based solutions. The forum highlighted the role of organizations like Brands on a Mission and Reach Digital Health in amplifying SRHR information and emphasized the need for diverse leadership in the SRHR space.

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Technology in Public Health Sexual and Reproductive Health Youth Advocacy

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Judd-Leonard Okafor is a multimedia journalist at Daily Trust, where he works for both print and online platforms. 
He covers health, development, education and youth. Before joining Daily Trust, he worked at Confluence TV and Grace FM in Lokoja as a news reporter, presenter and editor. 
In 2014, ...

8 tips for choosing your health app

07 Feb 2024  |  Daily Trust  |  English  |  Health

The article provides eight considerations for selecting a health app, emphasizing the importance of careful evaluation before downloading. It encourages readers to share their experiences and engage with the content.

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Technology Health

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Jackson Okata is an independent journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. His works have been published both locally and internationally.

He writes about climate and environment,human rights ,gender and women, development journalism,agriculture,politics and development

Air Quality Sensors Boosting Nairobi’s Fight Against Air Pollution

29 Feb 2024  |  www.ipsnews.net  |  English  |  Health

Deborah Adhiambo, a resident of Nairobi, has been severely affected by air pollution, leading to asthma and economic hardship. Nairobi's air quality is significantly worse than WHO recommendations, primarily due to vehicle emissions, open waste burning, and industrial activities. To combat this, the city has implemented low-cost air quality monitors developed by Makerere University, which collect and analyze pollution data to inform policy and legal frameworks. The AirQo monitors are now used in eight African countries. The recent Climate and Clean Air Conference in Nairobi emphasized the need for data-led policy actions to address air pollution, with UNEP highlighting the severe health impacts of poor air quality globally.

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Technology Health Air Pollution Climate Change

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Chiranjibi Paudyal is a journalist based in Reading, United Kingdom.

Be Mindful Over Mobile Phones to Control Mental Mayhem

13 Aug 2024  |  medium.com  |  English  |  Impact of Technology on Mental Health

The article discusses the impact of mobile phones and social media on mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. It highlights the double-edged nature of digital technology, which facilitates communication but also poses challenges such as anxiety, depression, and decreased productivity. The text emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, promoting face-to-face interactions, and engaging in offline activities to mitigate these effects. It advocates for digital detoxes and educational programs to foster responsible technology use, urging a balanced approach to harness the benefits of technology while avoiding its pitfalls.

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Impact of Technology on Mental Health Social Media Digital Detox

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Roni Robbins is a journalist.

New app developed by Atlanta doctors aims to reduce maternal mortality risks

27 Feb 2025  |  ajc  |  English  |  Health Technology

Atlanta doctors and researchers have developed the HerHeart app to address maternal mortality risks and heart disease among young women. The app, created by Georgia Tech students with guidance from the Georgia Clinical & Translational Science Alliance, is designed to be engaging and culturally appropriate for young Black women. Initial studies show increased awareness and improved health behaviors among participants. The app is not yet commercially available, but plans are underway to partner with large health care systems for further development. Experts emphasize the importance of early heart health awareness to prevent future complications.

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Health Technology Maternal Mortality Heart Disease

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Julian Ryall is a journalist based in Tokyo, Japan.

Japan’s smart toilets in hot seat as ageing units pose fire and burn risks, report warns

22 Oct 2024  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Health & Safety

Ageing smart toilets in Japan pose significant fire and burn risks, as reported by the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE). Users have experienced burns from overheated seats and scalding from hot water leaks, with some units catching fire due to malfunctioning plastic components. NITE emphasizes the importance of regular checks and maintenance of these electrical appliances to prevent accidents. The popularity of smart toilets in Japan has grown since their introduction in 1967, with nearly every household now owning one.

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Technology Health & Safety

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Luís Silva is a photographer/jornalist based in Faro, Portugal.

Economic evaluations of medical devices in paediatrics: a systematic review and a quality appraisal of the literature

31 Mar 2024  |  BioMed Central  |  English  |  Health Technology Assessment

This systematic review and quality appraisal study focuses on the economic evaluations (EEs) of medical devices used in pediatrics. It identifies a gap in the development of pediatric-specific devices, with most approved devices being designed for adults. The study highlights the challenges in designing and approving pediatric devices due to stringent safety and ethical requirements, small market size, and the prevalence of 'off-label' use of adult devices in children. It emphasizes the need for robust EEs to inform Health Technology Assessment (HTA) decisions and discusses methodological gaps and recommendations for future research. The study also assesses the quality of reporting in existing literature using the CHEERS 2022 checklist and identifies a lack of reporting on conflicts of interest and funding sources. The review concludes that there is a need for more informed HTA decisions that consider the unique needs of child health and calls for methodological advancements in EEs for pediatric devices.

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Health Technology Assessment Pediatric Medical Devices Economic Evaluation

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Niel Smith is a freelance journalist specializing in sports(Including American sporting leagues) and gardening.

Wearables and Body Temperature Monitoring – current products and what to expect in the future

28 Jun 2024  |  www.myhealthyapple.com  |  English  |  Wearable Technology

The article explores the current state and future prospects of body temperature monitoring in wearable technology. It highlights the features and limitations of various products from major brands like Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, Garmin, Oura, WHOOP, CORE, and Empatica. The discussion includes the significance of body temperature monitoring for sleep, fertility tracking, sports performance, and general health. The article also delves into the potential use cases and research areas, such as sickness onset monitoring, stress detection, and metabolic rate tracking. The overall sentiment towards the brands and products is neutral, with a positive outlook on Oura's innovative research.

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Health Monitoring Wearable Technology Body Temperature

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Michael Sutton is a researcher based in Phoenix, United States of America. As an Edupreneur, he applies gamification, serious gaming, ed-tech (wikis and blogs), experiential/ active learning, and simulations within his workshops and courses to motivate ENGAGEMENT, INNOVATION, CREATIVITY, RETENTION, ...

Out In The Open: HHS's New AI Transparency Rule

17 May 2024  |  www.mondaq.com  |  English  |  Health Information Technology

The Department of Health & Human Services, through the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, has updated the certification process for health information technology, focusing on systems using artificial intelligence. The new rule requires developers to demonstrate that their products meet specific criteria, including transparency in design and risk assessments. Existing certifications must be updated to comply with the new standards by the end of 2024, with additional requirements phased in over several years. Developers are advised to review and adjust their products to maintain or secure certification.

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Health Information Technology Artificial Intelligence Regulation

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Solomon Yimer is an experienced journalist based in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. He used to write for Addis Fortune and The Ethiopian Reporter newspapers and other local and international publications as well. He also worked as content editor at Addis Zeybe, Addis Ababa based digital media outlet. ...

Hope from the sky: drones deliver vaccines to remote regions of Ethiopia

01 Mar 2024  |  www.gavi.org  |  English  |  Health & Fitness

In Ethiopia's remote Hadiya zone, residents like Etalemahu Geletu faced challenges in accessing timely vaccinations due to supply disruptions and poor transportation infrastructure. The introduction of a long-range medical drone network by Swoop Aero and partners, funded by organizations including Gavi and The UPS Foundation, has significantly improved the delivery of medical supplies to these communities. During a 30-day project, drones delivered over 6,900 vaccine doses to six communities, demonstrating the potential to enhance the vaccination system and reach previously inaccessible areas. The success of the pilot project has led to plans for longer trials and has raised community hopes for the expansion of drone-delivered healthcare services.

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Technology Health & Fitness Innovation

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