MatchMaker & Broker
RIL connects challenge-holders - usually implementers - with solution providers, namely innovators. RIL empowers such collaborations and seeks collaborations to leverage more resources from a larger network to support innovations.
Concept Explained
RIL tends to find innovators that already have solutions available and applicable in the local context. After identifying a suite of solution providers, RIL will share different alternatives with the challenge-holder. RIL staff always consult with our network of subject matter experts (SME’s) and research both internal and external innovation databases to provide solution package to any challenge submitted to RIL.
Case Study 1: Using MatchMaking for the Health Information Systems in Somalia
Challenge: Somalia experiences some of the highest risks of maternal deaths in the world, with the maternal mortality ratio estimated at 732 deaths per 100,000 live births. World Vision (WV) was seeking an innovation to solve the Antenatal care uptake, skilled birth attendance at health facilities and having children below 1 year get fully immunized. Due to protracted conflict, insecurity and nomadic lifestyle in Somalia, most households are on the move and thus mothers don't complete 4 ANC visits, most don't deliver at Health Facilities and children don't receive all recommended immunizations. WV Somalia seeks a solution to track them and reach them with the health services or link them and thus reduce both child and maternal mortality.
What we did: The RIL team reviewed and refined the challenge with World Vision. RIL made a MatchMaker Resource Package based on the application criteria World Vision filled out on the Response Innovation Lab website and the interactions they had with the RIL MatchMaker in Somalia. This resource package contains the top three organizations that RIL concludes offer the best solutions.
The outcome: One of the selected solutions - OGOW EMR now OGOW Health - has been adopted by World Vision and scaled to multiple districts in Somalia.
Case Study 2: Using Matchmaking to Tackle Financial Literacy during COVID-19 in Uganda
Challenge: With the rise of cash-based aid, it's crucial to empower people in managing monthly payments effectively for food and nutrition. To boost financial literacy and encourage saving and investment, WFP, UNCDF, and PHB Development crafted a curriculum. While successfully tested in Nakivale, Rwamwanja, and Kiryandongo, further rollout was paused due to Covid-19. WFP seeks innovative ways to continue training safely amidst pandemic restrictions, aligning with cash aid delivery.
What we did: The RIL team conducted extensive research on the context in East Africa. The research focused on solutions that respond to the following criteria: 1) Do No Harm; 2) Easy to use and low tech; and 3) Post Covid-19. The research concluded a focus on three types of solutions: Interactive Voice Response (IVR), SMS-based learning and Narrow-casting.
What we achieved: A number of solution-providers or organizations with the required technology expertise are mentioned for each type of solution and introductions can be facilitated for follow-up conversations.
Read the full report here
