This is a profile of one of 23 social innovations selected for further study and promotion. TDR has spearheaded the Social Innovation in Initiative (SIHI), a collaboration with the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Cape Town, and the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Oxford University.
PROBLEM
In sub-Saharan Africa, over 60% of people live in rural areas, where the best roads are often little more than dirt tracks. One of the most overlooked barriers to healthcare delivery is a lack of reliable, well-maintained transport.
SOLUTION
Riders for Health works with partner organizations to manage fleets of motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles that are used by health workers to reach the most remote communities with healthcare. They manage transport in every aspect of healthcare delivery, including supply chain distribution, mobilising outreach health workers, sample transport and emergency referrals. Riders for Health trains health workers and mechanics to maintain motorbikes and vehicles, so they never break down. This means communities can consistently access the healthcare they need.
ACHIEVEMENT THUS FAR
Riders for Health works with other health-focused organisations and ministries of health to ensure care reaches the people who need it most. Across the seven countries they work in, they have helped to ensure: 14.5 million people now have improved access to healthcare; an additional 2.9 million people interact with health professionals each year; approximately 400 000 blood and sputum samples are transported between laboratories and health centres every year.
For more information, contact Beatrice Halpaap