Amai

According to research, it is estimated that 16% of pregnancies worldwide are affected by pre-existing or 
gestational diabetes mellitus (either type 1 or type 2). The vast majority of these women live in middle- and low-income countries and 1.5 million deaths worldwide directly correlates with the suboptimal control of the chronic diseases. In Zimbabwe the prevalence rate has alarmingly increased from 5% to 10% and of this percentage 3 out of 5 are women between the ages of 20-40. Poor glycemic control increases the morbidity and mortality rates in both the mother and the child. The maternal and neonatal adverse effects are more pronounced in the Sub-Saharan African region and south east Asia; Some of these effects include cesarean delivery, pre-eclampsia, virginal tears, trauma and chronic wounds in the mother and congenital disorders in the newborn.Due to the fragmented healthcare system and lack of organisational ,societal and personal resources  perinatal blood glucose checks are conducted only  before and after childbirth . Apart from the dietary and medical recommendations there is no further consistent  evaluation or monitoring that is specifically given to diabetic mothers in their perinatal phase  . This has resulted in the  increased rates of women who suffer from  long term illnesses  such as heart diseases ,glaucoma and cognitive problems . Hence there is a pressing need for an  available,accessible, affordable, analytical
and informative platform to help diabetic mothers in their perinatal phase.

 The researcher herein proposes the advent of an intelligent system  monitoring system which utilizes multiple regression and coherence as statistical tools to give an analysis on the glucose levels, dietary measures and 
physical activity. In this research a glucometer is embedded with bluetooth.The information is transferred to a database which stores the recorded glucose levels. The system is coded with c++, an object-oriented language, to
maximize memory control and the efficiency of execution. The diets and physical activity  all have an assigned calorie  range which are is used to provide graphical illustrations on how they relate to the blood glucose reading given in the database. The app gives an interpretation of the graphs  and recommends diet and physical activities adjustments if need be. This is an informative way patients can understand and adjust their diets and physical activities to 
maintain a normal blood glucose level which is very essential. For women in their postpartum phase, if they 
had virginal tears or c-section it is of utmost importance that blood glucose levels be maintained to avoid chronic wounds which might end up infected. The app has a reminder for medication if the individual is on any .In accordance to the number of meals and time you regularly eat, as recorded, the system prompts you to check your blood glucose levels before and after meals.
Research has revealed that women who have had gestational diabetes or were already diabetic during 
pregnancy are likely to suffer from postpartum depression, the app includes interactive questionnaires about mood, anxiety, sleep and stress, the app then coaches the mother towards healthy strategies and practices. Checking on a mother’s mental wellbeing is essential in building happy communities and healthy communities. 

Currently I am zoning in on the African woman in a remote or rural community.Growing up in a community with a fragile healthcare system has shaped my mind to innovate in terms of reliability ,affordability and easy access . 

This project aims to address health disparities experienced by diabetic women and girls in rural and remote areas .Most diabetic women suffer emotionally and physically during their perinatal phase and the hospitals are usually inaccessible due to distances .

This solution will assist mothers improve on their glycemic control and monitoring.Inherently this will improve quality of life for both the mother and the child and  lower mortality and morbidity rates.  This initiative is also a way to  raise awareness about cultural barriers to healthcare , promoting culturally sensitive services, and advocating for equitable access to healthcare resources for diabetic mothers . Recognizing and addressing these unique challenges faced by diabetic women helps ensure that they receive appropriate care and support.

Our team's strength lies in our deep-rooted and anchored connection to the community. The Team Lead, along with the team members, share a profound understanding and personal experience with the challenges faced by diabetic mothers  This is not just a project for us; it's a commitment to improve the lives of those we consider our neighbors, friends, and family and give back to the communities we grew up in .

 Growing up within the community, sharing in both its struggles and triumphs has ensured  that our approach is not only empathetic but also genuinely informed by the lived experiences of the community members.

Our ideas and approach  are mosaic of the community's diversity. We have ensured that we include living condition factors  from women of  various backgrounds, mirroring the community's socio-economic, cultural, and demographic makeup. This diversity fosters a holistic perspective in our design process and ensures that multiple viewpoints are considered.

From the inception of our solution, we have actively engaged with the community through forums, surveys, and informal gatherings to gather their input. We believe that the people who face the daily realities of the problem are best equipped to offer practical and innovative ideas. Therefore, our design is a reflection of the community's needs and aspirations, shaped by their direct feedback.

 This participatory approach not only builds trust but also empowers the community, ensuring that the solution is sustainable and adaptable to future needs.

In essence, our team doesn't stand apart from the community; we are an integral part of it. Our solution is not just designed for the community but with the community, embodying their ideas and agendas at its core. This synergy between our team and the community is what makes us the right people to bring this solution to life.

A survey was conducted with 7 individuals in Kambuzuma (a high density community in Harare, Zimbabwe) 
with diabetic mothers were given access to the app.(All persons had agreed and consented to be included 
in the survey).The baseline characteristics of the participants whom we are going to refer to as 
A1a,A1b,A1c,A1d,A2a,A2b and A2c.All of the participants had a form of diabetes except for A1d.They all weighed between 56 kgs and 68 kgs and they were all in their perinatal phase. All of the participants were between the ages of 26 and 32.

In all cases blood sugar levels were recorded daily, before and after a meal, getting a total of 6 readings per 
day. Blood glucose measured in mmol/L was the dependent and the diet, mood and physical activities were 
independent variables during the research.

The following participants were not given access to the application and were required to record their blood 
glucose levels six times a day an hour after a meal;A1a(type1),A1b(type 2),A1c(gestational),A1d(no 
diabetes).The other party was given access to the app and the glucometer and were required to follow the 
prompts of the app including entering their mood ,diet and physical activities which were all had an assigned value to measure the intensity(rigor).This party included,A2a(type1),A2b(type2),A2c(gestationaldiabetes). Results were recorded ,graphed and analyzed .

The results indicated a more controlled environment for subjects who used the system as two of the subjects who did not have the app estimated two readings. Questionaries were given to participants and all those who had used the application gave the app an excellent score of 8 out of 10. This corresponded to the graphical readings which showed that the blood glucose level for those who used the app were more consistent.

Solve can help us get access to technical experts who can help refine and enhance our solution.We hope to get strategies to deepen our engagement with diverse cultural groups with the global community. This platform would assist us in  establishing connections with key stakeholders and potential partners in the industry.We hope to get funding to address our immediate financial needs for implementation and scaling.We believe Solve will help us access to industry leaders and experts for mentorship and guidance and introductions to potential partners. 

By partnering with Solve, we aim to bridge these gaps and propel our solution to new heights, ensuring that it has a lasting and positive impact on the communities we serve. We believe that Solve's network and resources could be instrumental in overcoming these barriers and achieving our mission.

Our solution is crafted specifically for women by women.We have taken time to analyse the trend in our communities and we base our solution on the input of the diabetic women in our community and  how they believe their lives  can be improved for the better quality healthcare .

Our solution for helping diabetic mothers is also innovative in several key aspects that not only addresses the mental and physical health to catalyze broader positive impacts in the healthcare space but also the socio-economic health of these mothers.

Our solution for helping diabetic mothers monitor their glucose levels is innovative in several key aspects that not only address current gaps but also have the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts in the healthcare space.We leverage the on digital health solutions, such as the integration with mobile apps and cloud based systems .This allows for real-time data tracking and easier communication with healthcare providers.This technology is less invasive and more user-friendly, making it ideal for expectant mothers.By providing mothers with tools to monitor their glucose levels effectively, we empower them to take charge of their health, potentially reducing the need for frequent clinical visits which are more often inaccessible .The data collected can be used to gain insights into gestational diabetes trends and outcomes, informing future medical research and public health initiatives.

Our solution encourages a shift from reactive to preventive care, emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring to prevent complications.

The glucose monitoring system market is projected to grow significantly, and our solution aligns with this trend by offering a product that meets the increasing demand for innovative and reliable monitoring devices in low resources settings.

 Our solution is tailored to be a significant step forward in diabetes care for  mothers in their perinatal phase. It's not just about monitoring glucose levels; it's about integrating care, improving outcomes, and driving a market shift towards more innovative, women-centric solutions.

-Giving women in under resourced areas a platform to monitor their blood glucose levels.This ties to SDG 3.

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Our solution utilizes 

Currently we are 2 members .

We have been working on this solution for about 6 months

We will ensure diversity, minimizing barriers, and fostering inclusivity are fundamental principles for our team. Here's how we achieve this:

1.  We will actively seek team members from various backgrounds, including different genders, ethnicities, and abilities. Our recruitment process will be bound for  transparency, and we will encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

2.We will provide equal opportunities for growth, learning, and advancement.
All team members will have access to training, mentorship, and skill development programs.

3. We will work on cultivating  an open and respectful workplace where everyone's voice is heard.
   

4.  As an initiative that is community based we will accommodate diverse needs, such as flexible work hours, remote work options, and parental leave.Our policies promote work-life balance and mental well-being.

5. We conduct regular workshops on unconscious bias, cultural competence, and respectful communication.
   - These trainings enhance awareness and promote empathy.

6.  We will continuously engage with external communities to learn, collaborate, and share knowledge.
Partnerships with local organizations strengthen our ties and broaden perspectives.

Our business model is centered on  diabetic mothers therefore we plan on establishing sustainable production of the glucometers and the app.

1. Partnerships:
   - We plan on collaborating  with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and pharmacies.
   - These partnerships allow us to offer bundled services and discounts to subscribers.

2.Scalability:
   - As our user base grows, economies of scale will reduce costs, making the service more affordable.
   - We plan to expand to other regions and adapt our pricing models accordingly so that anyone from any region can gain access 

3. As an initiative that drives social impact a portion of our revenue supports will support community health programs and awareness campaigns for diabetic mothers .
   - We believe in a sustainable business model that benefits both our users and society.

Our NGO is dedicated to providing innovative healthcare solutions to diabetic mothers, focusing on sustainable practices and broad accessibility. Here's an overview of our business model and financial sustainability plan:

Business Model:
1. Sustainable Production:
   - We aim to establish sustainable production of glucometers and the supporting intelligent app system and or artificial intelligence , focusing on eco-friendly materials and processes.
   - This aligns with global sustainability trends and meets the growing demand for environmentally responsible products.

2. Partnerships:
   - Collaborations with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and pharmacies will offer bundled services and discounts.
   - These partnerships are crucial for integrating our solutions into existing healthcare frameworks and enhancing our reach.

3. Scalability:
   - We plan to expand to other regions, adapting our pricing models to ensure affordability and access for all¹¹.
   - Economies of scale will be leveraged to reduce costs as our user base grows.

Our commitment to social impact is integral to our mission and adds value to our stakeholders.

Financial Sustainability Plan;
1. Diversified Revenue Streams:
   - Our funding sources will include grants, donations, and revenue from product sales. 

   - We have successfully secured a partnership with Windel Weighing an electronics company and we managed to get money to fund for our initial pilot program to   demonstrate our prototype .

Long-Term Viability:
 We're committed to building a financially sustainable model that covers our expenses through a mix of revenue streams.Our financial planning includes budgeting, forecasting, and regular financial reviews to ensure accountability and transparency.

In conclusion, our NGO's business model and financial sustainability plan are designed to deliver value to diabetic mothers while ensuring our operations are environmentally sustainable and feasible.