The Skoll Award for Social Innovation is a global award honouring the hardworking people dedicated to solving the world’s critical problems. This year, the award went to a South African organisation, putting SA on the global change-makers map!
Global (12 April, 2023) — We’re in no shortage of information that dissects how much the world needs change. But, the more important conversation shines a spotlight on who is bringing change to the party, from small communities to the world. That’s why global awards like the Skoll Award for Social Innovation matter so. And this year, a South African NPO earned its moment in the sun.
The Skoll Award for Social Innovation awards social innovators who are bent on solving the world’s most pressing problems at their root causes. Sometimes the solutions are never-before-seen. Sometimes, they’re old ideas reimagined. Why the root cause? Well, as any dentist, botanist or activist will tell you, the root tends to impact the whole.
This year, the South African-based non-profit Reach Digital Health (previously known as Praekelt.org) will add the Skoll Award to its mantle piece along with four other organisations around the world.
Focusing on using technology to drive a healthier world, the NPO has been in the business of making healthcare more accessible for almost two decades.
Reach Digital Health has worked to impact 11 countries with focuses on HIV/Aids, maternal, child health, TB, mental health, gender-based violence and sexual health and rights. Similarly, it’s been a wealth of support for healthcare workers.
Reach Digital Health also developed a really important platform for mothers—MomConnect Africa—a WhatsApp bot that shares maternal and child health info across indigenous languages in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Debbie Rogers, the CEO of Reach Digital Health shares:
“We are honoured to be a recipient of the prestigious Skoll Award and for the recognition of our work alongside four other incredible organisations. The award will amplify our organisation’s strategic ability to improve health systems, empower more people and have more impact in under-resourced environments.”
Thanks to the Skoll Award, the NPO will receive $2.25 million (over R41 million) to expand and continue its mission into the future.
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