Globhe Aids Malaria Prevention
Blog Post
Malaria; a disease that claims the life of a child under five nearly every minute - Many of which are preventable and treatable - In 2021, there were 247 million malaria cases globally which led to 619,000 deaths. GLOBHE, the world’s premier marketplace platform for on-demand drone data, has initiated a unique approach utilizing drone technology to combat malaria. This seamless integration of technology and health expertise underscores a shift towards more targeted and effective malaria intervention strategies.
Globhe forged strong partnerships with esteemed entities like the UN, DJI, and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, witnessing a paradigm shift, where technology and international health efforts unite to transcend traditional boundaries in the fight against Malaria.
At the forefront of this innovative approach is the Maladrone project, a collaboration between GLOBHE and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, accentuated by drone manufacturing company DJI.
“We had issues scaling data collection but with the help of Crowddroning by GLOBHE, we can now easily scale by outsourcing flights to local drone operators,” affirmed Dr. Michelle Stanton from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
One of the primary challenges in combating malaria is identifying and managing the breeding grounds of the Anopheles mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are adept at laying eggs in transient, small pools of standing water, which are often elusive and challenging to locate. However, the drones' adeptness at capturing high-resolution, real-time imagery makes them an indispensable tool in identifying these breeding sites.
“Crowddroning by GLOBHE is a game-changer”
Dr. Stanton explained, underscoring the revolutionary shift that’s enabling researchers to gather precise and timely data. The meticulous attention to detail offered by drone data ensures that intervention efforts are not just generalized but are accurately targeted, amplifying their effectiveness.
GLOBHE’s core ethos is rooted in the belief that data, especially real-time and accurate data, is pivotal in creating a habitable world for all. “One image, from one drone, in one location said so much about the reality and the state of our environment,” shared Helena Samsioe, Founder and CEO of Globhe. This sentiment encapsulates the company’s drive to harness drone data for social impact.
With local and professional drone operator coverage spanning 140 countries, GLOBHE has effectively connected the world, allowing universal access to critical, actionable drone data. Every captured image is a step towards not just understanding but also mitigating the devastating impacts of diseases like malaria.
GLOBHE’s platform crowdsources local professional drone pilots. “Crowddroning”, a term coined by Globhe, has enabled rapid, real-time, and high-resolution mapping to metamorphose from a theoretical concept to a tangible asset in preventive health, heralding an era where data accuracy and timeliness are essential tools in combating malaria.
The detailed maps crafted from drones have enabled governments and health agencies to identify mosquito breeding hotspots with unmatched precision allowing precise mitigation and combating on the ground. This innovation is not only fostering an environment of proactive response but is also mitigating the financial and environmental costs associated with broad-spectrum interventions.
“Drone photos give much more detailed information than satellite imagery. It’s a tool to be able to more efficiently respond and prevent malaria outbreaks,” stated GLOBHE CEO Helena Samsioe.
We are GLOBHE, and we are committed to picturing thriving communities and a thriving planet.
As the world grapples with the residual impacts of malaria, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, the integration of technology like drones in the fight against this ancient disease signifies a beacon of hope. Every flight, every captured image, and every collated data point propels us closer to a world where malaria is a controllable and preventable condition.
In the grand tapestry of global health and innovation, GLOBHE stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and the unwavering belief in a world habitable for all.
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For more information about GLOBHE's innovative efforts in the global health landscape, please visit our Global Health page or contact us directly. Together, we can make strides towards a malaria-free world.
UNICEF: From drones to resilience - Harnessing technology to combat climate shocks in Malawi
DJI: How Drone Data Can Support Targeted Malaria Interventions
FastCompany: In the fight against malaria, there’s a new weapon: Drones
Press Release, Globhe & DJI: GLOBHE x DJI: Disrupting the Spread of Malaria with Drone Data
