Project Masiluleke uses mobile technology to combat HIV/AIDS and TB in South Africa

Project Masiluleke is an effort designed by PopTech, a global network whose goal is to "accelerate the positive impact of world changing people, projects and ideas" to address HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis in South Africa through the power of mobile technology.

The program will include mass text messages to the general public on South Africa, which has the highest HIV positive rate in the world (up to 40% of the population in some areas), with phone numbers for HIV/AIDS and TB call centers offering information on healthcare, counseling and local testing clinics. Inexpensive HIV self-testing kits combined with mobile support will also be included in the initiative.

There is great stigma attached to HIV/AIDS in South Africa, and though free testing is widely available it is rarely used until a person becomes too ill to avoid testing any longer. Project Masiluleke hopes to dramatically increase testing rates in order to decrease spread of the disease and increase awareness and treatment. Nearly everyone is South Africa has access to a mobile communication device, allowing people to have direct, personal resources.

The project, which is hoped to spread through South Africa and into other nations, is supported by a coalition of partners from around the world including Nokia and the National Geographic Society.

Click here to find out more about PopTech and Project Masiluleke.