Hi Jamal Mohamed ,

Thank you for your kind inquiry. Almost a year ago, OGOW EMR conducted a situational analysis on the issue of cellular connectivity and how it can be tapped for healthcare delivery in desolate areas. In it, we discovered, that the vast majority, in fact, close to 90% of Somali households have access to SMS capable devices. To answer your question about the provision of Smartphones which alludes that they are necessary to the effectiveness of our intervention, we do not plan to distribute smartphones to caregivers for the purpose of having them send vaccination due date alert SMS to caregivers. It is important however to note that our solution is an integrated approach designed to marry technology to tradition. We are confident about not only the effectiveness of our technology as its sustainability. It is important to note that UNICEF which uses mobile messaging to advance WASH activities over believes that about 72% of Somali adults carry mobile phones which according to OXFAM, UK, translate into over one mobile device per every 10 people or roughly one in each household. https://www.unicef.org/esaro/UNICEF-FN-Somalia-Mobile-low-res.pdf
The World Bank also confirms that Somalia ranks among the highest users of mobile-based money transfer https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2018/09/13/somalia-economic-update-rapid-growth-in-mobile-money

OGOW EMR’s strategy is to replicate this time tested Private sector success story into the delivery of vaccinations to children. We will use this in conjunction with the utilization of rotatable tablets in both the rural areas where we will provide each community with a number of pre-charged tablets, ready with video-messaging about the date, location, and more importantly the importance of vaccinating children. These tablets will be moved from community to community on the basis of the scheduled vaccination dates and will be handled by OGOW EMR trained paid Community Immunization Champions. The messages in the tablets will be recorded by health care professionals and their utility will be validated by respected religious scholars and local tradition elders trusted by the caregivers.

Thank you again

Hi Shahed Alam 
Thank you for your message. Yes, WhatsApp is the most used messaging app in the country. We are currently in the process of designing a point-based incentive program for our app soon-to-launch. I will be reaching out to you soon about the virtual badge suggestion!

Best,
Khalid

Hi Estela Kennen ,

Thank you for your question. Luul lives in Mogadishu which is an urban environment. She will have first received an OGOW EMR generated SMS through her mobile device or a similar one belonging to someone in the same household. Radio advertisements by WHO, GAVI, their subsidiary organizations, government interventions to the same effect, as well as word of mouth within the community, will all be welcome platforms that reinforce our own. Our objective is the message to vaccinate children to reach virtually everyone but we are realistic that we alone cannot do that without employing financial and human substantial resources.