Quick hits: Social Innovation Tracker

Takachar
Unmanaged waste and severe fuel shortage are two significant issues facing Nairobi dwellers.  Takacharhas a business-in-a-box model that allows the waste-pickers to own and operate low-cost technologies to turn unused organic waste into charcoal. They do this by firstly carrying out waste collection by mobilizing the entire slum to turn in their waste (and not just the few who can afford the service). Second, they turn organic waste into a safe and affordable cooking fuel for local households. They hope that this will lead to less charcoal production from wood and save trees, while serving wide-ranging social issues such as increasing local income, reducing greenhouse emissions. 

Ping (Positive Innovation for the Next Generation)

Using smartphones to respond to, track and prevent malaria epidemics.

Healthcare workers in Botswana, equipped with smartphones can now gather malaria information via an app and upload the data (along with pictures, video, and audio) to the cloud. This enables Health Ministry officials in Botswana to:

• Promptly collect and analyze context-aware data on malarial outbreaks
•  Track developments in real time and using GPS coordinates
•  Rapidly help to suppress the spread of malaria
•  Quickly dispatch medicines and mosquito nets
•  Monitor treatments and accumulate lifesaving research data.