2009 Health Award Laureate
mPedigree Network
| Laureate Country: Ghana |
| Project Countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda |
| Website: www.mpedigree.net |
mPedigree's technology allows anyone in the world to check the validity of their drugs before use with a simple, free text message.
The World Health Organization estimates up to 30% of pharmaceutical drugs sold in developing countries are counterfeits having little or no pharmacologically active ingredient.
mPedigree has developed a system for legitimate drug manufacturers to label their packages with a code covered by a scratch-off label. During production the manufacturer deposits the codes into a database maintained by mPedigree. The end user scratches off the label and texts the code to a widely advertised number. The server responds, via text, confirming that the product is legitimate. This system removes a major obstacle to effective health care for billions of the world's poor.
