Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

T.T.Y.M is a social enterprise addressing reproductive health issues, maternal and child mortality through community engagement, technology and affordable innovation

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

T.T.Y.M Global (Talk To Your Midwife) has been a radio program for two years. Influenced by data and feedback, we are creating a holistic way of contributing to the reduction of maternal mortality and reproductive health complication by building a social enterprise. In light of that, we utilise mobile technology and affordable innovation to provide reproductive health services and fight maternal and child mortality. We deliver tailored healthcare information, midwife consultation, pregnancy and menstrual tracking tools via our mobile app, liaise with Ghana health service to reach rural communities, train Traditional birth attendants & distribute emergency maternity kits to pregnant women in underserved communities. Through our USSD feature, women in low and middle income areas, can still access tailored information and receive care from our midwives. We have our MVP and ready to be deployed

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

My work as a midwife gives me first hand experience on the debilitating effect of lack of access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and services in Ghana, Lack of access to maternal health services and skilled personnels in rural communities. According to the Ghana Health Service, maternal mortality rates remain high at 310 per 100,000 live births. Many pregnant women, adolescents, and women of reproductive age struggle to access essential health services and education, leading to poor health outcomes. women face life-threatening complications during pregnancy and childbirth due to inadequate care. Adolescents lack proper SRH education, increasing their risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Our app will offer a wealth of educational resources on sexual and reproductive health, tailored to the needs of adolescents and women of all reproductive ages. This will empower users with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health, reducing the incidence of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. The app will facilitate virtual consultations with certified midwives. This will ensure that users receive timely, expert advice and support, regardless of their location. It will bridge the gap in healthcare access, especially in underserved areas with a shortage of skilled personnel. Our startup will also distributes emergency maternity kits to pregnant women. These kits will contain essential items needed for safe deliveries and immediate postnatal care. The kits will improve preparedness for childbirth, especially in remote areas with limited access to healthcare facilities.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our startup's product will serve women and adolescents in Ghana who face significant barriers to accessing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Adolescent Girls Needing accurate, age-appropriate information about their bodies, menstrual health, and reproductive rights. women of reproductive age requiring reliable information and support for managing menstrual cycles, fertility, contraception, pregnancy, and overall reproductive health, expectant mothers needing guidance and support throughout their pregnancy journey, including prenatal care, childbirth preparation, and postnatal care. 1Rural and Underserved Communities with limited access to healthcare facilities and professionals, leading to higher risks of maternal and infant mortality. Health Professionals and Midwives providers who can use the platform for virtual consultations and to deliver critical health education to a broader audience.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-06-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

The founder of the startup is a midwife with three years of clinical experience, adept in patient care and reproductive health advocacy. She has a robust background in health education, having hosted a radio program that engages with a wide audience on comprehensive sexual and reproductive health topics. The UX/UI designer co-founder brings extensive experience in creating user-friendly and visually appealing interfaces. Her skills in user research and prototyping ensure the app is accessible and meets the diverse needs of its users. The third co-founder, a web developer, is experienced in building scalable web applications, ensuring the technical reliability and security of the platform. His expertise allows for the integration of advanced features, enhancing the app's overall functionality.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://talk-to-your-midwife.web.app/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

f) Healthcare (healthcare equipment and services)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

By providing comprehensive SRH education through our app, we empower women and adolescents with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions, leading to healthier families and reduced healthcare costs. Our platform also connects users to skilled midwives and healthcare professionals, ensuring access to quality care, which can prevent complications and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. Additionally, we distribute emergency maternity kits to pregnant women, ensuring they have essential resources for safe deliveries. By improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare-related financial burdens, our startup contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty, fostering healthier communities, and promoting economic stability.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

With my three years of experience as a midwife and two years hosting a reproductive health radio program, I understand firsthand the needs of women and adolescents. Our startup promotes good health and well-being by addressing critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and maternal healthcare. Our app provides comprehensive SRH education, empowering users with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions, leading to healthier lifestyles and improved well-being. All services rendered through the app, USSD feature and community engagement aims to promote the health of our target audience and contribute to reducing maternal mortality rates in Ghana.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Our startup contributes to gender equality by creating a safe, inclusive platform where women and girls can openly discuss their reproductive health. By providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, we empower our users with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their bodies and their health. This empowerment boosts their confidence and ensures they have the tools to advocate for themselves in various aspects of life.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

2

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

By leveraging technology to revolutionize healthcare delivery and support. We have developed an innovative mobile app that connects pregnant women, adolescents, and women of all reproductive ages with skilled midwives for virtual consultations. This digital platform ensures that even those in remote or underserved areas can access quality reproductive health services and information. By utilizing modern technology and a user-friendly interface, our app provides essential health resources, tracking tools, and support, thus contributing to the enhancement of healthcare infrastructure. This approach not only fosters innovation within the healthcare industry but also helps bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and a more resilient healthcare system.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Our startup contributes to SDG 17, "Partnership for the Goals," by actively collaborating with key stakeholders in the healthcare sector. We partner with the Ghana Health Service, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), and various health professionals to create a comprehensive and inclusive healthcare platform. These partnerships enhance our capacity to deliver quality reproductive health services and education. By working together with established health institutions and professionals, we ensure that our users receive accurate information and reliable care. This collaborative approach fosters stronger health systems and promotes sustainable development within the communities we serve. Through these partnerships, we leverage the expertise, resources, and networks of our collaborators, enabling us to scale our impact and reach more individuals in need.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

6

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

3

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

6

05.08 Justification

Our project idea is unique and innovative because it transforms traditional healthcare services by integrating modern technology. Unlike existing services, it specifically addresses unmet needs in reproductive health, maternal care, and sexual health education. By offering virtual consultations with professional midwives, we extend the range of services available to women, including comprehensive tracking of pregnancy, menses, and fertility using AI. Additionally, our service is designed to be accessible via USSD for women in low- and middle-income areas ensuring inclusivity. This approach not only enhances traditional healthcare but also provides a more holistic and easily accessible solution for women’s health needs.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Our main conpetitors are apps providing reproductive health education such as Flo, and Gestage app etc.These apps focus on specific aspects of reproductive health whereas our app provides a holistic approach, thus, full range of reproductive health services. We improve inclusion by using low cost innovation to be able to reach women in rural areas. there is a real time, direct consultation providing timely and accurate healthcare support and finally, we not only serve individuals but also engage communities through our outreaches and providing them with resources.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Personally, i mentor 3 midwives, encouraging them to think outside the box and recognise that our roles as midwives are vast and goes beyond the walls of the hospital or the bedside. Through this mentorship, I empower them using myself and other successful midwife entrepreneurs as examples to let them know what is possible.