texttochange.com@texttochange

Mobile technology for Sexual and Reproductive Health

TTC tools and learnings

Arjen Swank – Programme Manager

E-Mail: arjen@texttochange.com

Twitter: @arjenswankhttp://www.texttochange.com

What do we use our mobile phone for these days?

SMS is now the world's most intensively used data

communication technology.

Total SMS sent globally tripled between 2007 to 2011

from 1,8 to 6,4 trillion. In 2016: 9,4 trillion!

Close to 200,000 text messages are sent every second!

In 2011: 4,2 billion, 65% of world population, active users of SMS text messaging.

It is also double the number of internet users, 5 times the number of Facebook members.

Over 1 billion people in Africa

53% has a mobile subscription

1 million new subscribers per month

Over 48 million people have a mobile phone, but no electricity

Next year an estimated 1,7 billion people will have a mobile phone, but no bank account

95% of messages is read; 90% within 4 minutes

HOW DO YOU THINK THIS

WORKS FOR AFRICA?

Short introduction to TTC: http://youtu.be/4_A0wfTD1lo

Since 2008 TTC is an established, leading and

pioneering social enterprise that builds simple and

scalable mobile solutions (SMS, Voice, Feature- and

Smartphone Apps) for hard-to-reach audiences to

improve their health and wellbeing.

We set up tailor-made, interactive and incentive based

mobile programs in 17 countries in Africa and South-

America.

We are a social mobile service & content provider

Average 65% participation rate in campaigns

What is M4RH? Mobile technologies identified as an

important area to explore for innovative

Family Planning communication.

Set of text messages developed by FHI360

on contraceptive methods and

based on World Health Organization medical

eligibility criteria (WHO MEC).

Technology platform developed by Text to

Change and maintained through

relationships with mobile operators.

mHealth system that is easily incorporated

and adaptable to existing reproductive

health programs.

How does m4RH work?How does m4RH work?

Welcome to M4RH free info service. For implants reply 11, IUD 21, permanent 31, injectable 41, pills 51, EC 61, condoms 71, Natural Family Planning 81, Clinic finder 91.

Advantages • Private medium but easily shared• Trustworthy (information WHO based and pre-tested)• Easy to set up – sharable, scalable, replicable• Multiple focus groups• Multiple languages

Advantages • Private medium but easily shared• Trustworthy (information WHO based and pre-tested)• Easy to set up – sharable, scalable, replicable• Multiple focus groups• Multiple languages

Countries 2011-2013• Kenya• Tanzania• Ghana

Countries 2011-2013• Kenya• Tanzania• Ghana

Keyword Content# of queries

Kenya Tanzaniam4RH Main Menu 11,691 175,641

00, 01, 02, 03 Secondary Menus 4,205 119,700

11 Implants 2,282 16,473

21 IUDs 1,993 13,481

31 Permanent Methods 1,438 19,190

41 Injectables 2,007 14,816

51 OCPs 2,372 15,479

61 Emergency Contraception 1,958 23,925

71 Condoms 2,935 27,920

81 Natural Methods 3,903 34,605

99 ALL METHODS 2,590 37,249

91 Clinic Locations 1,842 19,298

Total Hits 39,215 517,777

Information Accessed Through m4RH per monthInformation Accessed Through m4RH per month

Setup of m4RH+

Treatment group + control group

Different information about reproductive health through Wikipedia- style SMS menu-driven system

Content difference between two groups

Evaluation after dedicated periods through SMS questionnaire

Measurement of differences in attitude and knowledge towards reproductive health and family planning

Evaluating m4RH

• (re-) consider your resources

• Set realistic timelines – something always comes up

• Involve right mix of communication channels

• Combine broadcasting through traditional media (radio, newspaper, poster) and narrowcasting with new media (Mobile)

• Get your context right

• Needs and communications assessment

• Research the ‘Local factors’

• Technology is a tool, not a goal in itself

• Incentives work

Lessons learnt:

• Mutual understanding with mobile operators

• Working with partners – mobile scepticism

• Basic health systems are not functioning

• Sustainability / business model(s)

• Impact measurement

Challenges:

1. Understand where and with who you work

2. Comprehensive program design takes time

3. Impact only comes with partnerships. Stick to your expertise and allow commercial partners/sponsors. Search for synergies

4. Plan multiple moments for M&E. Be flexible and adjust where required.

5. Keep it simple!

Main recommendations

Successful mHealth projects in Africa are:

• Accessible

• Relevant

• (Near) free

Thank youIdeas, suggestions, questions?

Want to try it yourself? Text ‘m4rh’ to +31642500021

Arjen SwankProgramme Manager

arjen@texttochange.com Mobile: +31623787595

http://www.texttochange.com