AudiencScapes

Josh Nesbit was doing HIV research at a clinic in Malawi in 2007 when he realized that new mobile infrastructure available there could be harnessed to bridge gaps and coordinate health care services. And so, Medic Mobile was launched in 2009- it develops technologies such as easy-to-use medical record systems and SIM card applications to help health workers communicate and coordinate patient care, and provide diagnostics using low-cost mobile technology. AudienceScapes Fellow Paromita Pain talks to Nesbit about how better information and communication access can help us live healthier and longer lives.

The country’s recent political and economic crises mean that Zimbabwe has
been late to experiment with advances in technology. This is finally changing,
as suggested by the recent introduction of mobile money products. Institutions
are clamoring to launch products to profit from this untapped market.

The
fact that South Africa has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the world and rapid
adoption of mobile phone technology led to Youth Africa Live – a portal for
young people to talk about HIV/AIDS. By blending serious, educational content
with entertainment the platform has managed to build a sizeable audience.
Paromita Pain reports.

A lack of cooperation among major industry players is frustrating
investors and shortchanging citizens. Their reluctance to share
equipment like cell phone towers results in duplication of
infrastructure. Tawanda Karombo reports from Harare.

By Joseph Were17 March 2010Kampala, Uganda –The influence of new media in Uganda is showing up in high profile, as people and organizations tap these technologies as organizing and information-sharing tools. However, the reach of new media remains largely among affluent urbanites.New media’s impactNew media enthusiasts in Uganda scored a major achievement on 12 December 2009 when members of one Facebook network sent out word on the social networking site and on Twitter about an event, which succeeded in attracting a sizable crowd. Members of the 360° Network organized the “Old skool Re-union” at the main Rugby Grounds of the capital city. Attendees played childhood games such as rope skipping and dodge ball, and the crowd included top names in the country’s entertainment industry.