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Low-tech garment holds promise in preventing maternal death related to childbirth
A simple, low-tech garment has the potential to prevent a major cause of death among women who give birth in many Third World countries, according to a new study by maternal health researchers. Study findings show the use of a neoprene suit can save the lives of women suffering from obstetrical hemorrhaging due to childbirth. Hemorrhaging accounts for about 30 percent of the mor...
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The tin-can antenna: A boon for third world
A physics research institute here is using a low-cost but effective tool to bolster communications in developing countries: the tin-can antenna. Made from a can (the best are those used for seed oil, their creators say), a screw-on connector and a short brass wire, the cantenna is promoted by researchers as a cheap and efficient tool to amplify access to information and communication technologies in some of the world’s poorest and often most remote areas. Canten...
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Capacity building, empowerment and participation of rural people emphasised to ensure rural develop
The Asia-Pacific region, with a total population of over 2.02 billion (in 2003), has been achieving an unprecedented economic growth over the past decades. However, there has been an acute failure to ensure equitable distribution of income among indigenous communities, disadvantageous groups and those living in the remotest territories. Institutional capacity building and empowerment and participation of rural people are key to ensuring rural development, experts said at a discuss...
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New Report on M-Commerce
Excerpts: ...the proliferation of mobile communications in developing countries has the potential to bring a wide range of financial services to an entirely new customer base,according to a new report commissioned by the Information for Development Program (infoDev) in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the GSM Association.The infoDev report,which focuses on the use of mobiles for micro-payments in the Philippines,found that mobile-enabled commerce,or m-C...
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Keya Sarkar: Micro finance awards tell a story
Keya Sarkar (excerpt) To me, these efforts by a small fund like Aavishkaar or a similar micro entrepreneur award set up by a large bank like Citigroup are all pointers to the fact that micro entrepreneurs are going to be increasingly in focus. And if funding is available it is bound to spawn a whole variety of service providers which will enable these na?ve, rural, micro entrepreneurs to get ready for funding. (...)All services that are required for the mainstream ve...
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Philanthropy is flourishing , but new donors are becoming much more business-like about the way thei
Excerpt from article ... But the problem lies far deeper. ?Foundation scandals tend to be about pay and perks, but the real scandal is how much money is pissed away on activities that have no impact. Billions are wasted on ineffective philanthropy,? says Michael Porter, a management guru at the Harvard Business School. ?Philanthropy is decades behind business in applying rigorous thinking to the use of money.? Mr Porter believes that the world of giving can be transformed ...
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Health Tips On Your Cellphone
While the youth are said to be keeping away from unfriendly HIV testing centres, an innovative local marketer has put these information literally on their fingertips - in mobile phones. A service started two months ago - Interactive Healthcare Solutions - and which has already won a prestigious British award is proving popular especially with teenagers enquiring on issues to do with venereal diseases, smoking, drinking, and drug abuse. Initial statistics make interesting ...
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Segway creator unveils his next act
I thought this news article was worth highlighting - an excellent example of a successful entrepreneur using his talents to design products specifically to meet the needs of people living at the base of the pyramid. The article originally appeared here .
- Source
- cnn.com
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