Ericsson and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) have partnered to use mobile phones and applications designed to support Ebola infection-prevention efforts at primary healthcare facilities in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Elaine Weidman-Grunewald, Vice President Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at Ericsson,“ICT can play a critical role in responding to conflict and disaster, and effective communications contribute both to saving lives and alleviating suffering. Technology is increasingly seen as a way to improve the effectiveness of humanitarian response. Working in public-private partnership with IRC to leverage our respective strengths will help create real impact on the ground.”
The two are expected to use technology to enable IRC teams to more accurately and efficiently capture and monitor data related to the facilities’ Ebola preparedness and response. The organizations will collaborate on employee volunteer engagement, common projects, advocacy and knowledge-sharing.
According to David Miliband, President and CEO of IRC: “The combination of IRC’s operational expertise and Ericsson’s technology leadership has huge potential to help alleviate human suffering in some of the places hardest hit by conflict and disease. Ericsson’s global reach and proven track record in using technology for good will be a huge asset in future relief efforts.”
The International Rescue Committee helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. IRC teams provide health care, infrastructure, learning and economic support to people in 40 countries, with special programs designed for women and children.