OBJECTIVES

After speaking with anthropologists Dr. Warren Wilson and Dr. Charles Mather, it became clear that many humanitarian initiatives fail even with the best intentions. With the expertise and experience of (insert people's/corporation's names here), we identified three key issues relevant to the Ovitta design that we plan to address to avoid similar pitfalls.

1. Failing to address local issues adequately:

Sometimes, the best intentions create problems. In one example, a humanitarian group decided to build a fish pond for a village along the Amazon river. The villagers used the river as a source of food, so the initiative already lacked purpose. Even worse, the stagnant water provided a breeding ground for mosquitoes, bringing malaria to the villagers.

Addressing local issues:

Every step of our process is in conjunction with data. Before going to an area, we will first compile data from our partners and sources like The Demographic Health Survey Program. Also, with our Randle Cell Testing Device, we can then work alongside community health workers and policymakers to determine where Oviita can do the most good. Only when we have identified all of the facets affecting a community’s health can we begin work on implementation.

2. Unsustainable Aid:

A significant hurdle for providing aid to a large number of people is logistics. As soon as a supply chain experiences a break or funding becomes sporadic, a ripple effect travels until the end-user becomes affected. If the proposed solution requires more effort than the perceived value, there will be no motivation to maintain that solution.

Sustainable Aid:

Oviita’s entire model is designed around sustainability. Our network of partners alleviates the overhead costs of operation and implementation, Oviita is recultureable allowing continuous batches to be produced from the same source, the bioreactors are very simple and require little maintenance, and the use of microenterprises encourages locals to continue to consume and distribute our product.

3. To narrow a solution:

Often, a solution isn’t as straightforward as it seems. A group might solve one part of the problem and still fail because it was only one piece of the puzzle. For instance, nutrition deficiency isn’t just about nutrients; sometimes, parasites and other organisms can disrupt the gut microbiome to the point of ineffective micronutrient uptake.

A broad solution:

Oviita doesn’t just provide a source of vitamin A; it also produces an deworming compound. Also, by working with organizations that can provide clean drinking water, fermented food, solar panels, and workshops, we can ensure that we address all facets and the solutions tailored with the local’s best interests in mind—everything from health to hygiene, and resources to training.