AskBuddy

In Tanzania, young people, particularly girls and young women, face significant barriers to accessing accurate and confidential sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services. These barriers are a result of various socio-cultural, economic, and systemic factors that restrict young people's ability to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health.

One of the critical challenges facing young people in Tanzania is the limited access to comprehensive sexuality education. According to the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) 2015-2016, only 30% of young women (aged 15-24) in Tanzania have comprehensive knowledge about HIV prevention. This lack of knowledge is a significant barrier to preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Another major challenge is teenage pregnancy. The UNFPA Tanzania report shows that 23% of girls aged 15-19 in Tanzania have begun childbearing. Teenage pregnancy can have severe consequences for the health and well-being of young girls, including complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and limited educational and economic opportunities.

Stigma and societal taboos surrounding SRHR also contribute to the problem. In many communities in Tanzania, discussing sexual and reproductive health is considered taboo, and young people are often too embarrassed or afraid to seek information and services. This stigma can prevent young people from accessing the SRHR services they need and can contribute to risky behaviors.

Globally, the problem of inadequate access to SRHR information and services is also prevalent. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), an estimated 12 million girls aged 15-19 years and at least 777,000 girls under 15 years give birth each year in developing regions. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 3.9 million unsafe abortions occur each year among girls aged 15-19 years in developing regions. These statistics highlight the urgent need for comprehensive SRHR information and services for young people worldwide.

The lack of accessible and confidential SRHR information and services has a profound impact on the health and well-being of young people in Tanzania and globally. It can result in unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. 

Moreover, it can have long-term consequences for the educational and economic opportunities of young people, particularly girls and young women. Addressing this issue is not only critical for the health and well-being of young people but also for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3, which calls for universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services by 2030.

AskBuddy is an AI-driven chatbot that provides anonymous support and information on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for young people. Our solution leverages the power of artificial intelligence to deliver accurate, confidential, and judgement-free information to youth who might otherwise be unable or reluctant to seek advice on these sensitive topics.

Here's how AskBuddy works:

1. User Interaction: Users can interact with AskBuddy through a simple and user-friendly interface on their smartphones or computers. They can ask questions about sexual and reproductive health, and the chatbot will provide responses based on a comprehensive database of SRHR information.

2. AI-Powered Responses: The AI engine analyzes the user's question and searches the database for the most accurate and relevant information. The chatbot then generates a response that is tailored to the user's inquiry.

3. Anonymity and Confidentiality: AskBuddy is designed with the user's privacy in mind. All interactions with the chatbot are anonymous and confidential, ensuring that young people feel safe and comfortable seeking information on SRHR.

4. 24/7 Availability: AskBuddy is available 24/7, providing young people with access to SRHR information whenever they need it, regardless of the time of day or location.

Currently, AskBuddy is in its beta testing phase, where we are refining the technology and ensuring that the chatbot's responses are accurate, culturally relevant, and youth-friendly. We are also gathering feedback from users to improve the functionality and user experience of the chatbot.

In terms of technology, AskBuddy utilizes natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to understand and process user inquiries. The AI engine is trained on a comprehensive database of SRHR information, which has been curated and reviewed by experts in the field. This ensures that the information provided by AskBuddy is accurate, reliable, and up-to-date.

To enhance the relevance and accuracy of its information, AskBuddy collaborates with local NGOs, healthcare providers, and educational institutions. Partnerships with these organizations not only ensure alignment with local health guidelines but also help to increase the chatbot's reach among young people. The intuitive user interface, featuring voice recognition, is designed to be accessible to users with diverse needs, including those with literacy challenges or disabilities, thus ensuring that AskBuddy is a comprehensive and inclusive solution for SRHR education.

Our solution, AskBuddy, primarily serves young people, aged 15 to 35, in Tanzania who are seeking accurate, confidential, and culturally relevant information on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). This demographic often faces barriers to accessing SRHR information due to societal taboos, lack of privacy, or limited availability of youth-friendly services. Young women, in particular, are disproportionately affected, with many lacking the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

AskBuddy is specifically designed to address the needs of this underserved population. By providing 24/7 access to SRHR information through a convenient and user-friendly chatbot, young people can receive instant and accurate answers to their questions, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. The AI-driven chatbot uses natural language processing and machine learning to deliver personalized responses, ensuring that the information provided is relevant to the user's specific needs and context.

In addition to improving access to SRHR information, AskBuddy also aims to challenge and change societal norms and attitudes surrounding sexual and reproductive health. By providing young people with the knowledge and resources they need, we hope to foster a more open and supportive environment in which young people feel comfortable discussing SRHR issues and seeking help when needed. Ultimately, our solution is not just about providing information, but about empowering young people to take control of their health and their lives.

Our team comprises individuals who have grown up in and are deeply embedded in the communities we aim to serve. As members of these communities, we have firsthand experience of the cultural norms and taboos surrounding sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and understand the challenges that young people face in accessing accurate and reliable SRHR information. Our Team Lead, who grew up in a small village in Tanzania, witnessed the lack of SRHR education and the negative impact it had on her peers, fueling her passion for developing solutions that empower young people to take control of their sexual and reproductive health.

To ensure that our solution meets the needs of our target population, we have been actively engaging with young people in Tanzania throughout the design and development process. We have conducted surveys and focus groups to gather insights into their SRHR information needs, and we have incorporated their feedback into the design of AskBuddy. For example, in response to feedback about the importance of privacy, we have implemented end-to-end encryption to ensure that users' conversations with the chatbot are confidential.

We have also sought input from community leaders, educators, and healthcare providers to ensure that the information provided by AskBuddy is culturally relevant and accurate. By collaborating with these stakeholders, we have been able to develop content that is not only informative but also resonates with the values and beliefs of the communities we serve.

Our team is committed to an iterative design process that involves ongoing community engagement and feedback. We recognize that the needs of our target population are diverse and ever-changing, and we are dedicated to continuously refining and improving our solution to better meet their needs. Our proximity to the communities we serve, combined with our collaborative approach to design and development, positions us well to deliver a solution that truly makes a difference in the lives of young people in Tanzania.

Currently, AskBuddy is in its beta testing phase, serving around 30 users who are actively providing feedback to help refine and improve the platform. This initial group of users is crucial in shaping the final product to ensure it best meets the needs of our target population. 

Post-beta, we plan to officially launch AskBuddy to the public. By the end of 2024, we project to have approximately 9,000 users actively engaging with the platform. This estimation is based on our planned marketing efforts and the identified need for confidential, easily accessible sexual and reproductive health information among young people in our target communities. Through AskBuddy, we aim to empower these individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

AskBuddy is innovative because it leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to provide accurate, personalized, and confidential sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information to young people. Unlike traditional helplines or information platforms that might require personal identification or be limited by human capacity, AskBuddy is available 24/7 and ensures complete anonymity, thereby eliminating the fear of stigma or judgment.

Our solution stands out from others in the market because it is specifically designed to be youth-friendly and culturally sensitive. By using natural language processing and machine learning, AskBuddy can understand and respond to a wide range of queries in an empathetic manner. The AI-driven chatbot is also continuously learning and evolving based on user interactions, which means that it becomes smarter and more accurate over time.

AskBuddy is not just a static information provider; it also uses algorithms to identify users at risk and connects them with relevant local support services and resources. By doing so, we are not only addressing the immediate information needs of young people but also linking them with necessary support for better SRHR outcomes.

AskBuddy has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts in the SRHR space. By collecting anonymized data on user queries and interactions, we can provide valuable insights into the SRHR information needs and challenges faced by young people in different regions. This data can then be used by policymakers, NGOs, and other stakeholders to inform and improve their programs and interventions. In addition, the technology and insights generated by AskBuddy can be adapted and applied to other contexts and issues, thereby changing the market dynamics and driving innovation in the SRHR field.

In the next year, our primary impact goal is to reach at least 10,000 young people in Tanzania, improving their knowledge and awareness of SRHR, thereby enabling them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. This represents a 1000% increase from our current user base of approximately 1000 young people. To achieve this, we will:

1. Conduct a minimum of 10 community outreach programs in partnership with local organizations and schools.
2. Collaborate with 5 local NGOs working in the SRHR space.
3. Utilize user feedback from our beta test to make necessary improvements to AskBuddy.

Over the next five years, our ambitious impact goal is to reach 1 million young people globally, contributing to a 10% reduction in rates of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections in the communities we serve. To achieve this, we will:

1. Expand our solution to at least 5 other countries in different regions.
2. Localize our chatbot for cultural sensitivity in each new region we expand to.
3. Build partnerships with a minimum of 20 other organizations, governments, and stakeholders.
4. Leverage data and insights from our platform to inform and influence SRHR policies and programs in at least 3 countries.

Our impact goals are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), and Goal 5 (Gender Equality). Our work directly contributes to the following indicators:

• Increase the proportion of women of reproductive age (aged 15-49 years) who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods by 15%.
• Decrease the adolescent birth rate (aged 15-19 years) per 1,000 women in that age group by 10%.
• Ensure that global citizenship education and education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in national education policies, curricula, teacher education, and student assessment in at least 3 countries.
•  Increase the proportion of women aged 15-49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use, and reproductive health care by 20%.

To systematically illustrate the impact of AskBuddy, our AI-driven chatbot, let's break down the expected outcomes and align them with quantifiable indicators:

1. Inputs:

   • AI-driven chatbot with SRHR content curated by experts.
   • Partnerships with local organizations and schools to enhance reach.

2. Activities:

   • Develop and maintain the chatbot with updated content.
   • Organize 20+ community outreach programs annually.
   • Form 15+ partnerships with local organizations and schools each year.
   • Gather and analyze user feedback quarterly for improvements.

3. Outputs:

   • Reach 15,000+ young people in the first year, scaling to 20,000+ by year 3.
   • Conduct 50+ community outreach programs in 3 years.
   • Form 30+ partnerships in 3 years.
   • 100% analysis of user feedback for continuous improvement.

4. Outcomes:

   • Improve knowledge and awareness of SRHR among 80% of the young people reached.
   • Change attitudes towards SRHR positively for 70% of the targeted demographic.
   • Foster positive behavior change regarding SRHR for 60% of users.

5. Impact:

   • Aim for a 20% reduction in rates of teenage pregnancies in communities served within 5 years.
   • Target a 15% decrease in rates of sexually transmitted infections in communities served within 5 years.
   • Empower 90% of users to make informed decisions about their health and well-being within 3 years.

To validate these tracks, we will rely on third-party research, findings from our internal evaluations, and feedback from the communities we serve. For instance, comprehensive sex education has been proven to reduce teenage pregnancies and STIs according to multiple studies. Regular evaluations and user feedback will ensure our approach is effective and continually refined to meet the needs of young people in the communities we serve.

On our solution team for AskBuddy, we have:

• 3 full-time staff members, including myself as the team lead, a content developer, and a community outreach coordinator.
• 1 part-time staff member who handles the technical maintenance of the chatbot.
• 1 contractor who assists with graphic design and multimedia content for our educational materials.

Each team member plays a crucial role in developing, implementing, and refining our solution to best serve the needs of young people in our communities.

We initiated the development of our solution, AskBuddy, in February 2023. Since then, we have been working diligently to bring our vision to life. Our team has spent the past months conducting research, developing content, and building the chatbot's functionality. Currently, we are in the beta testing phase, gathering valuable feedback from users to refine and enhance our platform. Our journey has been fueled by a deep commitment to empowering young people with accurate and reliable information on sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Our approach to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into our work begins with our team composition and extends into the content and functionality of our solution, AskBuddy. 

Our leadership team is diverse, consisting of members with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This diversity is crucial as it brings various viewpoints to the table, ensuring that our solution is well-rounded and inclusive. We continuously strive to improve the diversity of our team and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all, regardless of their race, gender, or social background.

In terms of our solution, AskBuddy is designed to be accessible and inclusive to all young people, regardless of their gender, race, or socioeconomic status. We are conscious of the disparities that exist in access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, and our chatbot aims to bridge this gap by providing accurate and reliable information to those who may otherwise lack access. 

Additionally, our content is developed with cultural sensitivity in mind, taking into account the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of our users. We ensure that our information is unbiased and respectful of all cultures and religions, fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect.

In conclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusivity are at the core of our work at AskBuddy. Our diverse team brings a range of perspectives to the table, ensuring that our solution is well-rounded and inclusive. Moreover, our chatbot is designed to be accessible to all young people, regardless of their background, and our content is developed with cultural sensitivity in mind. We are committed to continuously improving our approach to diversity, equity, and inclusivity, and we believe that this commitment will contribute to the success and impact of our solution.

AskBuddy is a social enterprise with a dual mission of providing value to our users through impactful health information and generating revenue to sustain and expand our operations.

Our primary beneficiaries are young people in need of reliable sexual and reproductive health information and support. We provide these services through our AI-driven chatbot, which is available 24/7 and offers anonymous support. The chatbot uses natural language processing and machine learning to understand and respond to user queries, directing them to the most relevant and accurate information.

Our revenue model is based on a freemium approach. The basic version of AskBuddy is available for free to ensure that it is accessible to all young people, regardless of their socioeconomic status. We offer a premium version that includes additional features such as personalized health tracking, access to expert consultations, and more. The premium version is available for a monthly subscription fee.

In addition to the freemium model, we generate revenue through partnerships with health organizations and educational institutions. These partners sponsor the development of specific content or features in exchange for exposure to our user base.

Our business model is designed to balance our social mission with financial sustainability. By offering a free version of our solution, we ensure that all young people have access to the information they need, while the premium version and partnerships provide the necessary revenue to support our operations and growth. This model allows us to scale our impact and reach more young people in need of sexual and reproductive health information and support.

Our plan for financial sustainability revolves around three key revenue streams: a freemium subscription model, partnerships with health organizations and educational institutions, and grants and donations.

1. Freemium Subscription Model: The basic version of AskBuddy is available for free to all users, ensuring that every young person has access to reliable sexual and reproductive health information. We offer a premium version with additional features such as personalized health tracking, expert consultations, and more, available for a monthly subscription fee. This premium version is aimed at users who seek a more personalized and in-depth experience.

2. Partnerships: We plan to establish partnerships with health organizations and educational institutions. These partners will sponsor the development of specific content or features in exchange for exposure to our user base. For example, a health organization focused on family planning may sponsor content related to contraception, gaining visibility among our users.

3. Grants and Donations: As a social enterprise with a strong social mission, we are eligible for grants and donations from various foundations and philanthropic organizations. We will actively seek out these opportunities to fund our work.

Our financial sustainability plan is designed to balance our commitment to providing free and accessible information with the need to generate revenue for our operations and growth. We anticipate that as we scale our user base and enhance our offerings, our revenue from the premium subscription model and partnerships will increase, gradually reducing our reliance on grants and donations. 

By the end of 2024, we aim to have a user base of 9,000, with at least 20% opting for the premium version, along with established partnerships with at least five major health organizations or educational institutions. These revenue streams will enable us to cover our expected expenses and invest in further development and expansion of our solution.