About the Pitch Challenge
CORE Group proudly hosted the third Pitch Challenge during the Kenya Regional Global Health Practitioner Conference in October 2024, continuing our commitment to fostering community-driven innovation. This dynamic initiative empowers individuals to develop creative solutions to pressing community health challenges.
The top three teams—winner, 2nd runner-up, and 3rd runner-up—now form the inaugural cohort of the Pitch Challenge Mentorship Program. Through this program, participants receive tailored support from expert mentors to refine their projects, enhance scalability, and maximize their impact in addressing community health challenges.
Teams and Projects
1. Diversity Innovations Initiative (DIV)
Location: Uganda
Project Title: Diversity Health App
Description:
The Diversity Health App is an innovative digital solution designed to provide Deaf persons in Uganda, including refugees and host communities, with accessible healthcare information and connections to Deaf-friendly healthcare and gender-based violence (GBV) services. The app features a library of video content on health topics delivered in Uganda, DRC, South Sudan, and Burundi Sign Languages, along with contact details for trained health workers, GBV officers, and counselors proficient in Sign Language.
Building on a 2021 YouTube pilot that reached over 1,700 users and trained 50 health workers in basic Sign Language skills, the app expands its scope to address diverse health needs and support Deaf refugees. Currently in the testing phase before launch on Google Play, this solution tackles communication barriers in healthcare by ensuring inclusive access to vital services for Deaf communities.
2. Kuhenza’s Child Case Management Mobile Application Team
Location: Kenya
Project Title: Child Case Management Mobile Application
Description:
The Child Case Management Mobile Application supports community-based care identification, counseling, and referrals for children with disabilities and their families in Kenya. Launched in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the app has engaged over 50 users, families, developers, students, and engineers to refine its content. By gathering real-time data across Kilifi County’s 35 wards, it helps guide counseling, care, and service referrals, tripling the support provided by its second year.
Utilizing the CommCare platform, the app enables offline use and includes tailored tools like the Washington Group measurements and the Measure Evaluation’s Child Status Index. Features for community leader case management, prioritization, and emergency care provide immediate support to children in crisis. The app serves as a template for organizations seeking m-health solutions to improve community-based care and service delivery.
3. Strong Enough Girls’ Empowerment Initiative (SEGEI)
Location: Nigeria
Project Title: Indi-Genius Podcast Series
Description:
The Indi-Genius Podcast Series bridges gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) education for youth in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Using podcasts as a low-cost, accessible, and youth-friendly platform, the series amplifies the voices of young SRHR leaders from Nigeria and Niger, showcasing their lived experiences and indigenous knowledge.
Participants gain skills in advocacy, data management, and social media use, fostering inclusive dialogue and localized solutions to SRHR challenges like adolescent pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and HIV/AIDS. With 20 episodes, over 3,000 social media views, and significant community engagement, Indi-Genius exemplifies the power of indigenous leadership in creating sustainable, responsive SRHR interventions.
