An 18-year-old University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) medical student has used technology to create an innovative telemedicine healthcare project that will overcome communication challenges in underserved communities – a platform using neither a phone nor mobile data, but which allows users to access healthcare through a simple code, reports The Witness.
First-year student Itumeleng Mhlongo’s project, called Bridge the Gap, was founded with the aim of connecting communities with volunteer doctors using Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) technology.
The pilot phase is expected to launch early next year, and she hopes to eventually expand it across South African townships and the rest of the continent, “integrating an AI-powered triage, multi-lingual voice support, and drone delivery of medical supplies”, she said.
She also wants to train unemployed healthcare workers to use the system, creating employment opportunities while expanding access to healthcare.
From township to international stage
Mhlongo’s work has already taken her beyond South Africa. In August, she attended the American Field Service Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, as a healthcare delegate, participating in the Changemakers Academy – a social innovation workshop delivered in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania.
In September, she attended the 13th Heidelberg Laureate Forum in Germany, joining 200 young researchers, mathematicians and computer scientists selected from around the world. She attended masterclasses led by recipients of the Fields Medal, Abel Prize and Turing Award.
Mhlongo, who was born in Johannesburg, matriculated from Lufhereng Secondary School, a quintile 2 school, and said she never imagined that her first year at medical school would see her representing South Africa internationally.
The daughter of two security guards, Mhlongo said her parents were particularly proud of her achievements.
UKZN executive director of corporate relations Dr Normah Zondo describing Mhlongo’s project as “inspiring and commendable”.
Mhlongo is supported by a Moshal Scholarship, while UKZN’s Dean’s Travel Grant funded her trip to Geneva and the Carl Zeiss Foundation’s Abbe Grant covered her travel to Germany.
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