Speaking Books Shortlisted in AfricaCom’s Changing Lives Award Category

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s patient education innovation – the Speaking Book – has been shortlisted in AfricaCom’s Changing Lives Award category. AfricaCom is Africa’s biggest technology event and brings together leaders and innovators form the digital network.

The AfricaCom Awards is a showcase for innovation within the telecoms and ICT sector across Africa. The Changing Lives Award recognises an inspiring initiative that has significantly impacted African communications in the community and contributed to economic and social development. The Speaking Books – which allow life-saving healthcare information to be accessible to all communities regardless of geographical location, socio-economics, age, gender or education level, have been changing the lives of rural and disadvantaged communities in Africa and Internationally since 2008. It is an honour for the Speaking Books – which uses simple technology to powerfully impact lives – to be amongst such prestigious company.

Each Speaking Book consists of 16 pages of colorful illustrations supported by straightforward and easy to understand text. For each page there is a corresponding push button that triggers a sound track of the text. Typically each Speaking Book reaches multiple users with research indicating an average of 27 users per book. A UNICEF study in Ethiopia indicated over 120 users per book, which translates to a cost of under 10 cents per intervention.

This innovative tool is supported by many national Health Departments, and is being used by 6 of the world’s 10 largest pharmaceutical companies. Speaking Books are now available in more than 60 titles and 30 languages, focusing on a number of critical health care issues including HIV and AIDS, Malaria, TB, Clinical Trials, Substance Abuse, Maternal Health, Safe Medicine, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Dementia, Government Grants, No Smoking, Literacy and Immunization for Pneumonia, Rotavirus and Polio, with distribution throughout Africa, China, India, Pakistan, Haiti, South America and the USA.

To find out more about the Speaking Books, please visit www.speakingbooks.com”>Visit Speaking Books. The AfricaCom winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner on the 18th November 2015 in Cape Town.

For more information, please contact Cassey Chambers on 011 234 4837