The Healthy Rotarian #33: "Big Ideas" Improving Human Lives Through Innovation

Posted by Janet Sipple 
on Feb 23, 2016
 
Designers are creating innovative affordable products as solutions to problems all over the world.  New offerings include the solar roof, electric motorcycles, and more.  Now sparked by programs such as the Entrepreneurial Design for Extreme Affordability course at Stanford University's Institute of Design, some are taking a look at the concerns of people in developing countries as well.  Keeping local culture in mind, designers are creating products to meet communities' particular needs.  It turns out that even the most pressing problems, from health care to potable water, can have affordability and beautifully designed solutions.  (Zackowitz, 2010, 24) 
 
I wanted to share two such ideas that caught my eye.  
 
INFANT WARMER
Approximately 19 million low-birth weight babies are born every year in developing countries.  Unable to regulate their body temperature, many die.  The EMBRACE helps to warm vulnerable infants.  A special pouch slips into the back of the bag to provide hours of safe heat while allowing for nursing and cuddling.  Launch country:  India. Website: www.embraceglobal.org
 
PURIFYING STRAW
Some 900 million people lack access to safe drinking water.  Sipping through the LIFESTRAW filters surface water on-site, reducing the transmission of bacteria and viruses.  Thousands of 10" LIFESTRAWS were donated to Haiti after the most recent earthquake.  Each filters about 160 gallons; a new, shorter model, nearly 265 gallons.  Launch country: Kenya.  Website:   www.lifestraw.com
 
 
Nurse Sipple