LONDON (AP) - A bit of creativity never hurts, especially when it comes to solving health problems in developing countries.I love cool stories like these! Folks that aren't afraid to think outside the normal parameters and come up with ingenious answers that conventional thinkers might miss are the folks that got us to the new world and the moon. Plus this is just the coolest thing:
Instead of the usual donated medicines and health equipment, some experts are inventing new products for the poor, like a solar-powered hearing aid or a motorcycle ambulance. Both inventions were showcased at an engineering conference in London.
This makes a lot of sense in the areas where it will be deployed - rough terrain, remote areas, etc. Motorcycles have a smaller footprint (need less road), get much better gas mileage, and are a lot less likely to be "appropriated" by local warlords. The ride won't be as comfortable for the person being transported, but it beats dying in the middle of nowhere by a long shot.
Okay, and I'd really like to try riding one of these contraptions too!
That is all.
5 comments:
It's called "appropriate technology", and it covers everything from a cheap press to make better mud bricks to a stairmaster-powered water pump to a more efficient cow dung stove to a bicycle cargo trailer.
I LOVE this sort of stuff because a) it's affordable for people in the 3rd world and b) it empowers THEM, not some big government sponsored, IMF backed Five Year Plan that finishes up late and over budget and most of all c) makes a real difference in their lives
Add to what you said about the terrain in 3rd world countries. If you are in a city the streets are typically crowded and narrow. A ride like this could get you to the hospital faster. I couldn't imagine trying to drive one of our ambulances in Belize City. It wouldn't fit down the road.
Not as hardcore perhaps but these guys are supplying bicycle ambulances in Malawi. More to the point, they are helping locals build their own.
http://www.bikeswithoutborders.org/malawi.html
Good comment on the appropriate technology. What is sad is not seeing this stuff used in '1st' world countries. Filling a need, is filling a need. How many people could be helped by using stuff that works now. Grrrrr
As a broken down medic whom spent most of his career in rural areas and woods and fields....
Anything to help having to carry is a good thing..
Gators are wonderful things...
And is that one of your kids blankets your wearing????
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