In a significant collaborative initiative, the IGIRE Rwanda Organization partnered with Youth Combating Neglected Tropical Diseases (YCNTDs) to host a highly impactful workshop. The session, aptly titled “Exploring Digital Solutions for NTDs Control and Advocacy,” served as a vital platform, bringing together the talented participants of the SheCanCODE program.

The fundamental objective of this workshop was deeply rooted in empowerment: to equip young women with the essential technical prowess, innovative spirit, and problem solving skills required to conceptualize, develop, and implement cutting-edge digital tools. These tools are envisioned to play a pivotal and multifaceted role in the ongoing global efforts against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Specifically, they will be instrumental in strengthening advocacy campaigns, significantly raising public awareness, and ultimately contributing to the comprehensive eradication of these debilitating diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations worldwide. The integration of digital innovation with grassroots activism represents a powerful step forward in tackling the complex challenges posed by NTDs.

Why this matters

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) represent a persistent and severe public health crisis, afflicting vulnerable populations across a multitude of communities worldwide. These diseases not only cause immense suffering but also perpetuate cycles of poverty and hinder socio economic development.

To effectively combat NTDs, a paradigm shift is required, one that prioritizes innovative approaches and empowers underrepresented groups. By strategically focusing on young women in the realm of digital health innovation, we unlock a powerful wellspring of fresh perspectives, creative problem solving, and a deep understanding of local challenges. This focus is not merely about equitable representation; it is about cultivating and nurturing locally-driven solutions that are inherently sustainable and culturally relevant.

These concerted efforts are absolutely crucial for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, they are instrumental in significantly enhancing awareness about NTDs, demystifying their causes, symptoms, and prevention methods within affected communities. Secondly, they foster data-informed advocacy, equipping communities and policymakers with the precise information needed to allocate resources effectively and implement targeted interventions. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, they are vital for boosting community engagement, transforming passive recipients of aid into active participants and stakeholders in their own health outcomes.

Ultimately, by embracing digital health innovation led by young women, we are not just addressing the immediate challenges posed by NTDs; we are building a more resilient, informed, and empowered future. A future where an NTD-free world is not merely an aspiration but an achievable reality. This holistic approach, rooted in local insights and digital empowerment, is the most promising pathway to eradicating these debilitating diseases and ensuring equitable health for all.

What Happened at the Workshop

Participants at the recent workshop engaged in an intensive exploration of how technology could be leveraged to practically advance Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) control and advocacy efforts. The sessions were highly interactive, incorporating guided ideation and rapid prototyping exercises. During these dynamic activities, attendees collaboratively identified critical problems within the NTD landscape, meticulously outlined detailed user experiences for affected communities and healthcare workers, and ultimately conceived innovative digital solutions designed to address these challenges.

The proposed digital solutions spanned a wide spectrum of interventions, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the diverse needs within NTD programs. These included the development of user-friendly mobile applications for symptom tracking and treatment adherence, interactive chatbots to disseminate crucial health information and answer frequently asked questions, robust data dashboards to visualize epidemiological trends and track program progress in real time, and targeted SMS-based awareness campaigns to educate communities and mobilize action.

Expert facilitators from Youth Combating NTDs spearheaded the sessions, providing a foundational introduction to core concepts in digital health and public health advocacy. Their guidance was instrumental in shaping the participants’ understanding of best practices. They particularly emphasized the paramount importance of developing solutions that are not only technologically sound but also inherently accessible to diverse populations, culturally relevant to the communities they serve, and meticulously designed with an unwavering focus on equity, ensuring that the benefits of digital innovation reach those most in need. This holistic approach aimed to foster sustainable and impactful technological interventions in the fight against NTDs.

Highlights & Outcomes

The workshop achieved a multi-faceted impact, yielding several crucial outcomes that promise to significantly advance efforts in combating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and empowering young innovators.

Firstly, a core achievement was the fostering of Hands on Ideation among participants. Organized into dynamic small teams, attendees were challenged to move beyond theoretical discussions and actively develop initial concept notes and functional prototypes for digital solutions. These innovative concepts were meticulously designed to address the multifaceted challenges posed by NTDs, focusing on three key areas: enhancing public awareness to combat stigma and improve early detection, providing robust patient support systems to ensure treatment adherence and improve quality of life, and streamlining data collection processes to enable more effective monitoring, evaluation, and resource allocation. The practical, iterative nature of this process allowed for immediate application of learned concepts and fostered a collaborative environment for problem-solving.

Secondly, the workshop placed a strong emphasis on Skill building, ensuring that attendees not only contributed to specific NTD solutions but also acquired a versatile toolkit of transferable skills. Participants engaged in intensive sessions to master various ideation techniques, learning how to generate creative solutions from initial problems. They also delved into the principles of user journey design, understanding how to map out a user's interaction with a digital product to ensure intuitive and effective experiences. Furthermore, fundamental product thinking was introduced, equipping participants with the ability to define a problem, identify target users, conceptualize solutions, and consider the practicalities of development and deployment. These skills are not confined to NTD contexts but are broadly applicable across various disease areas and, indeed, across numerous sectors, thereby enhancing the participants' long-term professional capabilities.

Finally, a powerful and inspiring outcome was the demonstration of Public Health Inspiration. The workshop served as a vivid testament to the remarkable creativity, ingenuity, and unwavering commitment of the young women participants. Their innovative digital solutions and enthusiastic engagement underscored the immense and often untapped transformative potential of coding and digital design. This hands-on experience highlighted how these technological skills can serve as powerful catalysts for driving systemic change within the health sector. By empowering young women with these tools, the workshop not only contributed to immediate solutions for NTDs but also laid the groundwork for a future where technology-driven innovation is a cornerstone of public health advancements, propelled by a diverse and skilled workforce.

Voices from the Room

The all-day event was marked by an exceptional display of energy and collaboration. Participants showcased remarkable resourcefulness in addressing pressing community issues. Facilitators praised their skill in transforming complex health problems into practical, user-centered technological ideas. Their solutions demonstrated a deep understanding of user needs, inclusivity, and accessibility ensuring that technology serves everyone effectively.

Thank You

We extend our sincerest gratitude to Youth Combating NTDs for their exemplary leadership in orchestrating this insightful session. Their dedication to addressing neglected tropical diseases is truly commendable and served as the driving force behind the day's success. We also deeply appreciate the invaluable contributions of our facilitators, whose expertise and guidance enriched the learning experience for all participants.

Most importantly, we express our profound appreciation to the SheCanCODE participants. Your creativity, commitment, and enthusiasm brought this initiative to life. It was your passion that made this workshop impactful and inspiring. We are confident that the skills and connections built today will contribute greatly to your future endeavors and the broader tech community.

What’s Next / How to Get Involved

If you’re inspired by what you read and would like to collaborate, mentor, or support future workshops, please contact us at info@igirerwanda.org