Malnutrition stands out as a leading factor contributing to numerous illnesses and fatalities within Kenya. Approximately 45% of deaths among children under the age of 5 can be attributed to inadequate nutrition during these critical years, which form the bedrock of a person's life. Moreover, healthcare provision is inadequately resourced and heavily reliant on Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) in rural areas of Kenya. The lack of proper infrastructure further compounds the challenges faced by CHVs during their visits.
KUKUA serves as a bridge for addressing healthcare in remote regions of Kenya by providing a consolidated data acquisition system that encompasses both analog and digital measurements for the assessment of child growth. The system is engineered with a robust design to withstand challenging environmental conditions, while the integration of Bluetooth technology facilitates the instantaneous transmission of data and storage to an intuitive mobile application.
KUKUA has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in rural areas of Kenya, particularly in places like Lamu. This innovative solution, empowers well-trained Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) to gather accurate health measurements for children. These measurements are then seamlessly recorded and stored in each child's profile, facilitating the tracking of their growth and development during their crucial first five years of life.
When connected to the internet, the app automatically transmits all recorded data to local health centers and hospitals. This holistic approach contributes significantly to the early detection of malnutrition, enabling informed decision-making by healthcare professionals. Furthermore, the system's application serves to transmit the acquired data to healthcare centers, thus expediting the diagnostic process for doctors, enhancing the efficiency and timeliness of healthcare delivery and action to combat the child's malnutrition. This real-time data transmission enables healthcare professionals to effectively access and analyze vital information. Furthermore, these healthcare facilities can share this data with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kenya, providing valuable insights into the healthcare needs of these underserved communities.
By compiling this comprehensive data, KUKUA equips the Kenyan government to engage with global NGOs like the Red Cross and UNICEF for additional support. These organizations can then offer essential healthcare practices and financial assistance, not only to the nation but also to individual families. The ultimate goal of KUKUA is to ensure that every child in Kenya receives proper nutrition and enjoys good health, contributing to the well-being of children worldwide.
The journey allowed me to delve deep into the realms of concept development, concept design, and embodiment, broadening my horizons in the field. The project compelled me to acquire diverse skills, ranging from mechanics and coding to electronics, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of modern industrial design.
The pinnacle of our achievement, being invited to present our project at the Prototypes of Humanity Conference during COP28, is a source of immense pride. It signifies the recognition of our hard work and the innovative potential of our design. It's a unique opportunity to showcase our commitment to addressing pressing global challenges through design.
This achievement serves as a catalyst for my ongoing passion for industrial design. It's a reminder that this field is an ever-evolving space of innovation and that, with dedication and interdisciplinary skills, we can contribute to creating a better future for all. The journey to COP28 is not just a destination but a continuation of our commitment to learning, creating, and innovating in industrial design.
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