Judging by the current rates of child mortality in most developing countries, achieving this goal may seem a bit absurd and this is where M-chanjo steps in.
The system works by sending automated reminders via SMS to parents to keep then informed on any future immunization dates and appointments for their children The text messages also include basic health care tips to manage common diseases.
M-chanjo is an mhealth solution that leverages the high availability of cheap mobile devices in the developing world to reduce child mortality, with a special focus on slums and rural areas. Parents will get general information on vaccination programs and sms reminders on when to take their children to the clinic.
M-chanjo banks on the negligible costs in sending text messages and on the high mobile phone penetration rate, currently at 63% according to the Communications Commission of Kenya. M-chanjo takes advantage of the high availability of mobile phones in Africa. The use of mobile phones is thus efficient and in the long run reduces costs on outreach and treatment of diseases that could otherwise have been prevented.
The key solution is based on a mobile platform that raises awareness on child immunization. The solution also enables easier management of infant medical records by health personnel via any Internet capable mobile device. Community health workers are equipped with a mobile device with which they can register children into the M-chanjo system, once they are in the field.
In raising awareness in regards to immunization they can prevent the more than 1,000,000 infant lives lost each year due to preventable diseases such as Measles, Polio, Pneumonia etc.
