This CNN Hero upcycles old computers to open new worlds for young Kenyans
Posted on Apr 30, 2018.
This CNN Hero upcycles old systems to open new worlds for young Kenyans
In 2015, the CNN Hero challenge was started with a simple mission: Make a technology that could benefit everyone. Today, as a result of the efforts of people like our own CNN Hero Kofi K. Bua, the challenge is thriving.
To this end, he’s built a network of “internet of things” sensors that allow a hospital staff to track blood pressure, temperature, weight and other vital signs in real time. Using an Arduino microcontroller as a low-cost platform, he’s built a series of sensors, all with different roles. As a result of these efforts, Kofi was awarded the CNN Hero award for “Outstanding Contribution”.
He says, we have to start by recognizing those on the frontline of changing our world. These are the ones who are in our communities, at our workplace, in our schools, in our workplaces, and at our places of worship. They are the people who are changing those industries and making them better.
Some of the systems used in the building projects at the hospital are:
1. The blood pressure monitor
A nurse administers four different blood pressure measurements at different times. This is a result of the project called the Open Heart Project, which aims at developing a system for detecting and tracking various heart disorders and other health issues in Kenyan communities. The system involves using smartphones and tablets for the collection of data and sends them to the hospital’s data management system. The patient’s data is then forwarded to the cardiologist’s office, where the information is analyzed and action plans are made.
2. The temperature sensor
At the hospital, the temperature in the operating theatre is recorded each time the patient is brought to be operated upon. It is also used as a gauge