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What problem does SolarSPELL solve? Many children in impoverished areas struggle with several obstacles to access education. Without reliable electricity, digital learning tools are hard to use. Internet connectivity is often nonexistent, making it difficult to access educational resources. Traditional textbooks are expensive and quickly go out of date. Many schools don't even have basic educational materials. Additionally, kids in remote regions don’t have access to quality teachers. SolarSPELL device What is the solution? SolarSPELL ( Solar-powered Education Learning Librar y) tackles these challenges. Laura Hosman, an associate professor in the School for the Future of Innovation in Society at Arizona State University, challenged her engineering students to create a solar-powered library that would fit into a backpack. Founded in 2015, SolarSPELL is a portable device that offers access to impoverished communities and  conflict-stricken areas . SPELL can operate without electricity or an Internet connection. Each unit includes a small solar panel, a microcomputer, and a digital memory card. The device includes pre-loaded library content, supports any browser, and generates its hotspot, allowing computers, phones, and other devices to connect and download educational materials. What is the impact of SolarSPELL? There are 500 SolarSPELL devices in remote regions of 15 countries lacking electricity and internet access. As of Fall 2024, the initiative has expanded to three African countries. In Malawi, the team introduced the SolarSPELL Health Library in collaboration with the Malawi Peace Corps Health Advancing Professionals program and the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences. This project, featuring nursing and midwifery content, helps students complete coursework more efficiently, reducing the need for long-distance travel from remote areas for education. SolarSPELL device by ASU In Zimbabwe, the SolarSPELL agricultural library was launched in partnership with Foundations for Farming to teach farmers about conservation farming. ASU students developed content and interactive videos suitable for communities with low literacy rates. In Lesotho, volunteers were trained to use the educational library and subsequently taught schoolteachers in their villages to incorporate SolarSPELL into their lessons. Why is SolarSPELL innovative? SolarSPELL is innovative because its solar-powered devices are easy to use, can travel anywhere, even to remote locations, and don't require much Internet infrastructure. The content is open access or has permission to be added to the library to be copied and shared freely. The distribution model is sustainable, including a "train-the-trainer" model to ensure sustainable usage and impact, and is specifically designed for challenging environments where other educational technologies fail.  SolarSPELL in Africa How can SolarSPELL improve? SolarSPELL could improve by adding more diverse educational content on its devices based on specific community needs. It could also integrate additional interactive learning features, expand device durability for harsher environments, and offer ways to update content in remote locations. Sources https://news.asu.edu/20241008-science-and-technology-asudeveloped-solarspell-libraries-deployed-help-communities-arizona https://news.asu.edu/20230421-global-engagement-solarpowered-libraries-help-syrian-communities-rebuild-war https://www.joghr.org/article/38734-solarspell-health-and-education-global-solutions-with-local-impacts https://www.statepress.com/article/2018/04/spcampus-students-work-to-send-solar-spell-technology-to-countries-in-need https://news.asu.edu/20220712-global-engagement-asus-solarspell-digital-libraries-help-teachers-ethiopian-refugee-camps https://news.asu.edu/20230421-asu-nursing-student-changing-lives-across-globe

What is the problem? Reliable high-speed Internet access is scarce in rural and remote African communities. According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), 15% of Africans do not have mobile broadband coverage, and over 180 million people live in rural communities. Many schools, healthcare centers, and small businesses in these areas struggle because they lack Internet connections, hindering economic growth and educational advancement. Solar panels to power Internet connectivity What is the solution? iSat Africa provides low-cost satellite-based Internet systems and solar-powered communication stations for schools, clinics, and small businesses. iSat’s hardware can withstand harsh rural environments. It also has a flexible pricing model so that low-income communities can access it.  What is the impact of iSat’s products and services? As of 2024, iSat has connected over 500 rural schools to high-speed internet. Rural communities can now access telemedicine services in previously isolated areas. iSat also supports digital education (education and job training) for 75,000 students who live in remote rural areas.   Why is iSat innovative?   iSat uses adaptive satellite technology tailored to African geographical challenges. It also relies on renewable solar energy for network infrastructure.  Given the limited access to reliable grid electricity in rural Africa, iSat Africa provides off-grid solutions using alternative power sources like solar panels. This approach ensures that telecommunications services remain operational despite grid limitations. iSAT Africa generates revenue through a Network as a Service (NaaS) model, where they provide fully managed satellite network solutions to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) across Africa, charging them on a subscription basis for access and operation, often including a mix of capital expenditure (capex) and operational expenditure (opex) models depending on the partnership agreement with each MNO. This allows iSat to extend network reach to remote areas without the MNO needing to invest heavily in infrastructure. What are areas for improvement? As iSat continues to innovate, it should focus on reducing equipment and installation costs, expanding coverage to more remote regions, and enhancing cybersecurity protocols for its rural networks. It should also offer better maintenance support systems to help with outages, cyberattacks, and hardware issues. Sources: https://www.capacitymedia.com/article/2djodhec27x3n7sd5migw/industry-voices/the-big-challenges-impacting-africas-telecom-tower-ecosystem https://www.thefastmode.com/technology-solutions/37317-nokia-partners-with-isat-africa-to-enhance-rural-connectivity-in-liberia https://oneweb.net/resources/oneweb-and-isat-africa-pioneer-new-solutions-bridge-digital-divide-africa https://isatafrica.com/mno-expansion/ http://isatafrica.com/network-as-a-service/

What is the problem?  Many poor communities lack access to clean drinking water, facing the threat of waterborne disease and contamination risk. Over 1 in 3 people (2.2 billion) lack access to clean drinking water globally. The majority of people affected live in rural and informal communities. The existing water treatment solutions are either too costly (hundreds of millions in infrastructure), vulnerable to climate change disruptions, or time-consuming to install. Children playing with clean water by WateROAM What is the solution? WateROAM, founded in 2014 in Singapore, offers low-cost water purification systems that use solar energy to disinfect and clean contaminated water. Its portable water filtration device, a 3.5 kg pump, can provide clean water to 100 people for up to two years, filter 200 liters per hour, and remove 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9999% of viruses. It is portable, lightweight, and easily deployable in emergencies. Why is this solution innovative? From a product design perspective, WateROAM   uses renewable solar energy (so no electricity is required), combines multiple purification technologies (UV disinfection, filtration, solar thermal heating), and is lightweight, making it portable. It also requires limited infrastructure and is designed specifically for rural and disaster-relief areas.  It requires very little maintenance and know-how to install and use. The solution is cost-effective: $399 per pump, which is about $2 USD per person per year. WateROAM clean water filter What is the impact? WateROAM is the largest solar water purification system manufacturer focused on portable solutions. It has been deployed in over 38 countries and has completed over 200 successful projects across Asia and Africa. It has purified over 8 million liters of water, serving approximately 130,000 people in emergencies. WateROAM can reduce waterborne disease rates by up to 90% and is deployed in disaster relief situations such as in 2020 when a Cyclone and Nepal’s earthquake hit Vanuatu. WateROAM aspires to help 30 million people in the next five years. What needs to be improved? WateROAM has several areas for improvement. The Company wants to reduce manufacturing costs, enhance durability to withstand harsh conditions, and improve scalability so it can help larger communities. The company is developing a second version of its product, which aims to improve its durability during natural disasters and reduce the amount of maintenance required. It is also introducing new products, including a filtering faucet for use inside the home. Sources:  https://www.obama.org/programs/scholars/columbia-university/2021-2022/vincent-loka/ https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/22/wateroam-southeast-asia-clean-water-entrepreneur-driven-by-burnout.html https://www.filtsep.com/content/news/wateroam-portable-water-filter-wins-sustainability-prize/ https://www.ntu.edu.sg/business/news-events/news/story-detail/wateroam-social-enterprise-in-singapore https://cnaluxury.channelnewsasia.com/people/singapore-social-enterprise-wateroam-183846

What’s the problem? Low birth weight and premature babies in regions where health care is scarce struggle to maintain their body temperature and get hypothermia. Traditional incubators are expensive and need electricity and intensive care units, often unavailable in rural and poor areas. This leads to a fight for newborn survival.  What’s the solution? Jane Chen, a social entrepreneur, created Embrace Warmer, a simple, affordable, and reusable infant incubator that doesn’t require electricity. It looks like a small sleeping bag with a pouch containing a wax-like material that can be heated with hot water. Once heated, it maintains a consistent temperature of around 37°C (98.6°F) for up to 6 hours and keeps the baby warm. It’s portable and durable and costs 1% of a traditional incubator. It only requires 30 minutes to recharge. Why is this innovative? The innovation is in its simplicity, affordability, and accessibility. By eliminating the need for electricity and expensive materials, the Embrace Warmer provides a lifesaving solution to the communities that need it most.  What’s the impact? The Embrace Warmer has been used and tested in multiple countries worldwide, including India, where it was first piloted. According to recent reports, over 300,000 babies across 22 countries have relied on this technology. According to Embrace Innovations, the device has helped reduce infant mortality rates in these areas by providing warmth to newborns who would otherwise be at risk of hypothermia-related complications. What needs to be improved? While the Embrace Warmer has shown great results, some areas need improvement. Awareness and proper training for its use are vital to maximizing its impact. Getting it to the most remote and underserved areas is a logistical challenge. Gathering long-term data on health outcomes will help advocate for widespread adoption and integration into healthcare systems. Sources: https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/25/business/baby-incubators-israel-gaza/index.html https://www.forbes.com/sites/shanesnow/2020/05/10/what-life-saving-mothers-teach-us-about-how-to-lead-through-hard-times/ https://www.unicef.org/ukraine/en/stories/portable-infant-warmers-save-lives https://www.oprah.com/inspiration/this-invention-has-saved-about-150000-babies-lives

What’s the problem? Indonesia has a domestic shortage of cows and dairy products. As a result, it does not have enough milk to provide programs like school lunches. Official data from Indonesia shows that domestic fresh cow milk production can supply only around 22.7 percent of the country’s needs, and the rest must be imported. What’s the solution? Indonesia’s solution is “fish milk,” a protein-rich powder made from fish roe. The powder is then made into a liquid and flavored to hide its “fishy” origins. The powder can be processed into a drink mixed with strawberries or chocolate for school lunch programs and other markets. Why is this innovative? 1. Resource Utilization: Indonesia uses abundant local resources (fish) to address a shortage (cow milk) to meet nutritional needs. 2. Industry Potential: With government support, fish milk can become a multibillion-dollar industry with 200,000 jobs to address the country’s economic and nutritional challenges. 3. Scientific Innovation: Indonesia can devise unique chemical processes to extract and neutralize fish proteins. What’s the impact? If successful, the fish milk industry can be worth around $4.5 billion and create many jobs, transforming the local economy. Fish milk appears to have cognitive and heart health benefits, including omega-3 and protein for brain development and heart health. Fish milk can become a new source of nutrition for schoolchildren and pregnant women to address nutritional challenges. Supporters also point out that fish milk can be an environmentally friendly alternative to cow’s milk, which requires more production resources and significantly impacts the environment.  On its website, fish milk manufacturer Forayya says the product provides essential amino acids and natural Omega-3 and Omega-6 to support brain development and enhance memory, concentration, and cognitive intelligence.  What needs to be improved? Many consumers dislike the fishy smell and taste of ultra-processed food. Manufacturers need to improve these qualities without adding sugar or artificial flavors. Skeptics question whether this is a nutritional intervention or a political gimmick, while others worry about allergens. Critics also say boosting domestic cow production or importing milk is more efficient than creating a new industry. Sources:  https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/fish-milk-indonesia-protein-drink-c99cf55e https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/what-is-fish-milk-and-is-it-beneficial-for-your-health-know-how-to-prepare-it/articleshow/115700485.cms https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/fish-milk-instead-of-cow-s-milk-idea-for-prabowo-s-free-lunch-scheme-creates-a-stir-in-indonesia

Problem: A large portion of the global population, especially the poorest and most vulnerable, has no official identity papers. People can access education, healthcare, government services, financial services, and job opportunities with identification. However, their governments do not see them (effectively ignore them) and don’t grant them many fundamental rights and services. Solution: With the help of Infosys Founder Nandan Nilekani, the Indian government built a population-scale digital infrastructure called Aadhaar (foundation), giving a unique biometric identification to over 1.3 billion Indian people. Aadhaar uses fingerprints and other biological traits to verify identities and create a digital ID for individuals. This solution has helped deliver social welfare programs efficiently and reduce fraud and corruption. India is now introducing other digital infrastructures like Unified Payments Interface (UPI), account aggregator frameworks, and Open Network for Digital Commerce to expand access to banking services and commerce. Why is this innovative? Aadhaar is cool because it uses the latest biometrics, data management, and mobile platform technologies to create a scalable and accessible digital identity system. By moving away from paper-based documentation, India has set a benchmark for how countries can digitally authenticate identity at scale. Integrating mobile payment technologies like UPI is also a forward-thinking move to democratize transactions and bring everyday commerce into the digital age. What is the impact? The results are immense. Aadhaar has helped in better delivery of social services, reduced fraud and corruption, and brought more accountability to beneficiary schemes. Digital payment systems like UPI have changed how India transacts, with 1 lakh crore rupees ($1 trillion) of transactions in a year. The digital vaccination certificate module streamlined the vaccination process during COVID-19, with over 1.8 billion certificates issued. These innovations have contributed to digital inclusion and economic empowerment in India. What can be improved? While Aadhaar has been game-changing, it has also faced criticism on privacy and data security. Concerns remain about misuse of personal data and the system being used for mass surveillance. India has to strengthen regulations and data protection measures to protect individual privacy and prevent abuse. And globally, the challenge remains, with an estimated 1 billion people without official ID. Other nations need to scale up these digital ID solutions to different regions, especially sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where much of the population is without ID. Sources:  https://www.gatesnotes.com/Heroes-in-the-Field-Nandan-Nilekani https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-asia/why-infosys-nandan-nilekani-is-urging-leaders-to-use-tech-for-good https://www.deccanherald.com/india/life-without-aadhaar-3200235 https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/uidai-working-with-world-bank-un-to-take-aadhaar-technology-overseas-121120201462_1.html

What’s the Problem? 642 million people worldwide need hearing aids, 400 million living in developing countries. However, only 10 million hearing aids are produced annually, leaving a significant shortage. High battery costs make them too costly for many, leaving people isolated and unable to pursue education or achieve financial independence.  What’s the Solution? Solar Ear provides affordable, rechargeable hearing aids with solar chargers, reducing costs significantly. Its batteries last 2-3 years compared to 7-10 days. Why is this Innovative? Solar Ear uses solar energy to power hearing aids, making them eco-friendly and accessible in areas with limited resources. The social impact business model empowers the deaf community through employment, education, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. What’s the Impact? Solar Ear’s impact includes reducing battery waste, creating jobs for the deaf community, and offering affordable hearing solutions to break the cycle of poverty. The programs also focus on improving education and health, reducing HIV/AIDS rates, and offering speech therapy. Global expansion, including Brazil, China, and other countries, increases their reach. What to Improve? Scalability: Expand to more regions with high demand. Technology Integration: Improve smartphone apps for hearing tests and accessibility to detect and treat earlier. Community Engagement: Form more local partnerships to spread and adopt this product. Product Development: Invest in research for more advanced hearing solutions. Awareness Campaigns: Educate communities about solar-powered hearing aids. Sources:   https://solarear.com.br/ https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/47666-Low-cost-hearing-aids-solar https://impactentrepreneur.com/what-are-your-hopes-and-dreams/

What’s the Problem? Petit Pli addresses the issue of children outgrowing their clothes. Kids grow out of their clothing rapidly, leading to considerable fabric waste and an added financial burden for families. This cycle harms the environment through overproduction and the constant disposal of clothing. According to Hubbub, an environmental charity organization, over 183 million pieces of outgrown children’s clothing go to waste. What’s the Solution? Petit Pli offers a sustainable clothing solution that grows with children. Their clothes feature a pleated design made from recycled materials, allowing them to expand and contract to fit children aged 9 months to 4 years. As a result, a single item can accommodate multiple stages of a child’s growth. Why is this Innovative? This is innovative because it uses new materials and design principles to solve the problem. The garments expand effectively, using engineering principles to meet sustainability goals and reduce waste. Using recycled materials means environmental responsibility in fashion design. What’s the Impact? P etit Pli’s impact is reducing waste, conserving resources, and saving families money by not needing to buy new clothes as children grow . Winning a €100,000 Amazon grant gives the company working capital to expand. As of 2023, Petit Pli has sold over 10,000 units to consumers in 50 countries. What to Improve? The company could add more styles to the garments and make the fabrics more durable and comfortable to appeal to older kids and adults.  I believe the Company has the opportunity to make an even more significant impact by making its products more accessible and affordable. This would be key to diversifying its demographics. Further R&D could improve the material to make the product even more sustainable. Sources: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/petit-pli-ryan-mario-yasin-sustainable-clothing-uk-9161180/ https://www.aboutamazon.eu/news/sustainability/amazon-award-100-000-grant-to-sme-to-create-sustainable-clothing-for-children https://www.voguebusiness.com/sustainability/what-sustainable-fashion-can-learn-from-childrenswear

Problem The problem is armed conflict and illegal firearms that contribute to poverty and world hunger in conflict areas. Solution The Humanium Metal initiative transforms seized illegal firearms and their gunmetal scrap into new metal. Companies buy this upcycled metal to make consumer products. The profits are reinvested into communities affected by gun violence to create a cycle of peace and development. Why is this innovative? This is innovative because upcycled materials are used for harm and converted into products for peace. By branding and transforming gun metal into a marketable precious metal, Humanium Metal raises global awareness about the harmful effects of gun violence. It is a clever way to unite governments, businesses, and civil society against gun violence. What’s the impact? Humanium Metal has destroyed around 12,000 illegal firearms and taken them out of circulation. The scrap has been used to make buttons and watches, and the proceeds have created new funding sources for violence prevention programs and survivors. The initiative has generated significant funds for these causes, such as the $150,000 Triwa Swisswatch Watchmaker donated to Individuell Människohjälp Swedish Development Partner  (IM), a Swedish non-profit focused on initiatives helping those affected by gun violence. What needs to be improved? Turning gun metal into polished stainless steel has its challenges. First, you have to make a precise metal mixture, which has to be controlled to 18% chromium, 8-10% nickel, 2-3% molybdenum, and the rest iron. That requires monitoring and high precision to meet the quality standards. Once the mixture is made, melting the metal mixture in a furnace at 3,000 degrees is energy-consuming and time-consuming. The liquid metal is then atomized by pouring it into a chamber and disrupting it with high-pressure nitrogen gas to form fine particles. This stage must be optimized for consistency and efficiency to produce uniform stainless steel powder. The biggest challenge is transitioning to metal injection molding, as the stainless steel is in powder form. This process compresses the powder into solid form and takes almost a year and a half to perfect. Production time and cost can be reduced if this stage can be optimized. Here’s how the process can be improved: 1. Precision and Efficiency in Mixing: Improve ways to monitor and achieve the precise metal composition to minimize waste and rework. 2. Energy and Time Efficiency: Look into alternative methods or technologies to reduce energy consumption and time for melting and atomization. 3. Optimize Atomization: Develop ways to get consistent and optimal particle size during atomization. 4. Simplify Injection Molding: Invest in R&D to reduce the lead time for metal injection molding so we can faster transition from powder to solid. 5. Quality Control: Implement quality control throughout the process to ensure the final material meets the standards. Sources:  https://humanium-metal.com/products/ ’ https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/would-you-wear-a-watch-made-from-a-gun https://www.fastcompany.com/40433451/humanium-metal-initiative-wins-cannes-lions-innovation-grand-prix https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/style/triwa-humanium-watches-review https://www.fastcompany.com/90287417/how-watches-made-of-seized-guns-will-help-rebuild-el-salvadors-economy https://humanium-metal.com/

Problem: Kids in poverty often don’t have shoes that fit. As they grow, many go barefoot or wear shoes that don’t fit, which leads to injuries, infections, and diseases like soil-transmitted parasites. Solution: The Shoe That Grows is Because International’s solution to this problem. It’s an adjustable shoe that grows and lasts for years. Each shoe can grow in 5 sizes and is made from high-quality, durable materials—a simple and functional design to meet the basic footwear needs of impoverished kids. Why is it innovative? The innovation is in its simplicity and practicality. The shoes are designed to accommodate the rapid growth of children’s feet, so they don’t need to be replaced often. They are durable and adjustable for fit, addressing the financial and logistical challenges of distributing footwear to remote or poverty areas. This revolutionizes traditional shoe design by extending the product life in resource-limited settings. What’s the impact? The Shoe That Grows has impacted many communities worldwide by providing long-lasting footwear to kids. This has improved health outcomes by reducing foot-related injuries and diseases. Wearing shoes also enables a child to go to school and do daily activities comfortably and improves overall well-being and educational opportunities. What to improve? While the design is focused on expansion and durability, it can also improve comfort, aesthetics, and cultural adaptability. The organization can also expand its distribution channels and partnerships to reach more people. It can create a sustainable business model where local communities are involved in manufacturing to ensure long-term impact and economic benefits at the community level. Sources: https://becauseinternational.org/products/the-shoe-that-grows-black https://theamericangenius.com/the-shoe-that-grows-adjustable-shoes-for-kids-in-poverty/ https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-today/from-kuna-to-kenya-fremont-middle-school-wants-to-donate-1000-pairs-of-shoes/277-d5da63d9-2e40-436c-9958-7f51aa2eeef1 https://www.borgenmagazine.com/because-international-is-fighting-poverty/ https://www.designboom.com/design/the-shoe-that-grows-01-05-2018/ https://www.businessinsider.com/charity-because-international-children-poor-countries-shoes-that-grow-kenya-2018-1

Problem: The Wonderbag solves several problems. One big one is the need for efficient cooking in areas with limited fuel and electricity access. Traditional cooking in these areas often requires a lot of firewood or charcoal, which leads to deforestation, air pollution, health hazards from smoke inhalation, and time lost gathering fuel. There’s a need for energy-efficient cooking solutions globally to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Solution: The Wonderbag is a non-electric, portable slow cooker that reduces the active cooking time on the stove, saving energy. Once food has been brought to a boil by conventional means, the pot is placed in the insulated Wonderbag and left to cook slowly without additional energy input. This way, you can finish cooking eco-friendly and preserve flavors and nutrients. Why is it innovative? The Wonderbag is innovative because of its simplicity and versatility. It combines ancient cooking methods with modern design, using thermal insulation to retain heat and cook passively. This makes cooking more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. The ease of use—no ongoing supervision or energy required once the initial heat is applied—makes it useful for urban and rural areas, especially in developing countries. What’s the impact? The Wonderbag has positive impacts on both the environment and the user. Environmentally, it reduces the need for cooking fuel by 70%, as well as deforestation and CO2 and particulate matter emissions. After a full year of using your Wonderbag, 1.5 tons of carbon emissions are reduced annually. For the user, it reduces fuel costs, time spent gathering fuel, and exposure to cooking smoke. Cooking can empower individuals, especially women who are often responsible for household cooking, by freeing time for education, work, or other entrepreneurial activities. What can be improved? While the Wonderbag is an innovative solution, there’s room for improvement: Durability and Materials : Making the bag more durable and using more local and sustainable materials could increase acceptance and reduce environmental impact. Cultural Adaptation : Modifying the design or accessories to fit cultural cooking practices could increase adoption in different regions. Education and Promotion : More awareness and education on using the Wonderbag to its full potential will benefit more people. Price and Affordability : Making it even cheaper or providing financing options could make it available to more low-income households globally. Sources: https://www.express.co.uk/finance/city/1962480/wonderbag-electric-free-slow-cooker-offers-power-bills-uk https://www.foodandhome.co.za/lifestyle/news-and-trends/wonderbag-celebrates-international-womens-day-with-new-campaign https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/house-garden/kitchen-appliances/wonderbag-slow-cook-beef-stew-energy-bill-save-b2267236.html https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/wonderbag-an-innovative-non-electric-slow-cooker-that-is-saving-lives/ https://www.foodandhome.co.za/lifestyle/news-and-trends/south-africas-innovative-wonderbag-a-finalist-for-2022-food-planet-prize

Problem The main problem is that severe hunger and wasting, the most deadly form of malnutrition, kills 1 in 5 children under 5.  Solution A RUTF (ready-to-use therapeutic food) treats severe malnourishment without hospitalization. It simplifies the treatment. Caregivers can give the paste at home without the risk of contaminated water, and it doesn’t need refrigeration or preparation. UNICEF procures and distributes an estimated 75-80 percent of the world’s RUTF supply. RUTF comes in a one-dose foil sachet with a two-year shelf life. It does not require refrigeration even after opening. There is no preparation, no need to mix with water, and no risk of children drinking contaminated water. It is safe, easy to use, and can be eaten straight from the sachet.  Impact so far RUTF has transformed the treatment of uncomplicated severe wasting in children, as millions of children have been treated globally. Its ease of use and delivery of essential nutrients has made it a pivotal tool in reducing child mortality due to malnutrition. Why is this innovative? RUTF changes the treatment of severe malnutrition. Unlike hospital-based therapies that require complex logistics, RUTF is home-based, with minimal risk of contamination and no need for or clean water refrigeration. Its long shelf life and user-friendly packaging make it adaptable in many settings, including those with limited resources. What needs to improve? To increase the reach and impact of RUTF: Inclusion in Essential Medicines Lists: More countries must have RUTF on their essential medicines list and buy it regularly. Integration into Routine Services: Severe wasting treatment must be integrated into public health services. Addressing Cost Issues: We need to mitigate the rising cost of RUTF because of global events like pandemics and conflicts. Increased Awareness and Advocacy: More global awareness and advocacy on the need for RUTF can help overcome the barriers to access and use. These will make a big difference in saving child lives from severe wasting worldwide. Sources https://www.unicef.org/nutrition/RUTF https://www.fao.org/food-safety/news/news-details/en/c/1683224/ https://www.rescue.org/uk/article/why-do-most-children-affected-acute-malnutrition-go-untreated https://borgenproject.org/ready-to-use-therapeutic-food/