Unu Health Launches As-You-Go App for Affordable Private Healthcare Access

Hi Guys, 

Unu Health launches a game-changing health app into the South African market with private healthcare from R179.

Unu Health is charting a new course in tech-driven healthcare with the launch of its innovative As-You-Go private healthcare app. This initiative, which blends cutting-edge technology with essential health services, is poised to transform the landscape of healthcare accessibility and affordability for South Africans.

Leveraging the power of digital platforms, Unu Health’s app serves as a central hub for medical services, directly accessible via smartphones. This approach addresses the significant challenges faced by many South Africans in accessing healthcare, primarily due to cost and convenience barriers. By bringing health solutions into the digital realm, Unu Health offers a forward-thinking solution to a critical national issue.

As the global community marks World Health Day this April, the timing of Unu Health’s app launch couldn't be more pertinent. Offering private healthcare services starting at just R179, the app caters to the needs of a diverse user base, ensuring that quality healthcare is within reach for all South Africans.

In a country where healthcare access is often limited and demands on individuals' time are high, Unu Health's As-You-Go offering represents a significant milestone in bridging gaps in healthcare accessibility and affordability. Unu Health aims to give the mass market a patient-centric experience that empowers users to prioritise their health and well-being amidst their busy schedules by offering flexible and on-demand healthcare services, such as an online doctor consultation within minutes. Having spoken to thousands of users and testers in the past two years, Unu Health understands the needs and gaps and has designed an app to help keep healthcare simple, convenient and affordable.

“The launch of the As-You-Go offering extends access to the mass market, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial constraints or busy schedules, can prioritise their health and well-being,” said Tania Joffe, CEO of Unu Health.

The As-You-Go model is emblematic of the digital age, providing flexible, -on-demand healthcare services that empower users to take charge of their health and well-being. The launch of the app offering is supported by a partnership with Intercare (a healthcare group), which provides Unu Health app users access to their online healthcare services and a national network of in-person doctor consultations. It comes at a pivotal time as South Africa continues to grapple with its status as the world's unhealthiest country, as highlighted five years ago in the 2019 Indigo Wellness Index (which focuses on blood pressure, blood glucose, obesity, depression, happiness, alcohol use, tobacco use, exercise, healthy life expectancy, and government spending on healthcare).

Acknowledging the partnership with Intercare, Joffe said, “Our collaboration with Intercare aligns perfectly with our mission to provide easy access to healthcare through digital platforms. Intercare brings clinical expertise, while Unu Health focuses on ensuring that access to the medical services offered are designed around the needs of individuals in today’s fast-paced world.”

"This partnership empowers us to enhance accessibility and convenience for patients, ensuring they receive top-tier clinical services seamlessly integrated into Unu Health's user-friendly app," says Hendri Hanekom, Managing Director at Intercare. As a healthcare group committed to enhancing access to affordable, quality, integrated healthcare, our extensive network of medical facilities and integrated online healthcare services complement Unu Health's innovative digital platform, offering patients comprehensive access to high-quality clinical services whenever they need it, especially for lifestyle-related diseases.

Unu Health has an ecosystem approach to driving the cost of healthcare down and the quality up by working with leading healthcare players that can adhere to their charter of care that always puts the patient at the centre of the experience.

Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) head-on

Beyond the online and on-demand access to Intercare doctors and nurses and the national network of in-person doctor consultations, Unu Health facilitates early detection of critical health conditions through innovative features like a 50-second face scan for vital signs. This tech-centric approach is crucial in combating non-communicable diseases, which are the leading cause of premature mortality.

Users will be able to do a free monthly health check from the data-free Unu Health app, measuring blood pressure, pulse, and blood oxygen levels. Thus, everyone with the app can pick up early warning signs associated with hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Studies have shown that in South Africa, 215 people die of a stroke or heart attack daily. Eighty per cent of these deaths are premature and preventable. Key contributing factors include elevated blood pressure or hypertension and obesity. Three in every four women are obese in South Africa, with a body mass index (BMI) above 30, and one in three men. “The Unu Health app calculates BMI, providing users with crucial insight to potential health risks,” explained Joffe.

A further contributing factor is elevated fasting glucose, experienced by one in three adults in South Africa. Roughly 13% of the country’s population suffers from diabetes, which is the number one cause of death among women. More than half are not aware of this, as they have been asymptomatic for the first decade or so. Early detection and access to information that helps people adopt healthier habits is key to turning the tide on non-communicable or lifestyle-associated diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Dr Phathokuhle Zondi, Clinical Lead at Unu Health, highlighted the profound implications of these statistics, stating the importance of confronting these challenges head-on and embracing innovative approaches to healthcare delivery that prioritise accessibility, affordability, and empowerment.

Acknowledging the partnership with Intercare, Joffe said, “Our collaboration with Intercare aligns perfectly with our mission to provide easy access to healthcare through digital platforms. Intercare brings clinical expertise, while Unu Health focuses on ensuring that access to the medical services offered are designed around the needs of individuals in today’s fast-paced world.”

"This partnership empowers us to enhance accessibility and convenience for patients, ensuring they receive top-tier clinical services seamlessly integrated into Unu Health's user-friendly app," says Hendri Hanekom, Managing Director at Intercare. As a healthcare group committed to enhancing access to affordable, quality, integrated healthcare, our extensive network of medical facilities and integrated online healthcare services complement Unu Health's innovative digital platform, offering patients comprehensive access to high-quality clinical services whenever they need it, especially for lifestyle-related diseases.

Unu Health has an ecosystem approach to driving the cost of healthcare down and the quality up by working with leading healthcare players that can adhere to their charter of care that always puts the patient at the centre of the experience.

Embracing the future world of healthcare

Unu Health's introduction of the As-You-Go offering highlights its commitment to innovating healthcare accessibility and affordability, a basic human right many struggle to access. By empowering consumers to monitor vital signs at the click of a button on their smartphones, Unu Health provides free access to the new era of proactive healthcare management.

“We designed the As-You-Go model to demonstrate that access to quality healthcare is as convenient as shopping for essentials online. The platform's inclusive healthcare solutions cater to diverse needs, ensuring accessibility and affordability for everyone's journey toward a healthier, happier life,” said Joffe.

The Unu Health As-You-Go app is available for download on Google Playstore, Apple iStore, and Huawei App Gallery.

About Unu Health

Unu Health is a curated digital platform that delivers access to a range of healthcare offerings and the latest health tech solutions designed to deliver real value for its users. Unu Health gives users the technology, tools and tips they need to stay healthy all in one simple app that’s free. They have two payment models should access to a doctor be needed, with one simple click, either the As-You-Go offer with access to a doctor or by subscribing to a health plan which currently is only available through an employer as an UnuForBiz offering.

Unu Health’s technology provides access to medical insurance plans at the touch of a button – no more standing in long queues to see a nurse or doctor.

Website: https://unuhealth.org/

Note - Press release as supplied by Unu Health South Africa

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Series - A Blend of Innovation and Environmental Consciousness

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Samsung Electronics believes that we’re all responsible for preserving the environment for generations to come. It is this belief that inspires the global technology giant to develop Galaxy innovations that do more for both people and the planet. The latest Samsung flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S24 Series, represents yet another step forward and bears testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

As we stride into a future largely driven by technology, it has become crucial to appreciate the urgent need to prioritise the planet as an equally, if not more important, part of the advancement. With the Galaxy S24 Series, Samsung has seamlessly integrated eco-conscious design principles with great innovation. As the world commemorates Earth Day on April 22, 2024, this article explores how, through this device, Samsung is making a mark in sustainable product development.

The Galaxy S24 is a demonstration of progress against Samsung’s mobile environmental roadmap. The company remains dedicated to delivering on its set of goals to be achieved by the end of 2025. At the end of 2022, the company achieved the first of these goals by incorporating recycled materials in all mobile products, from Galaxy smartphones and tablets to PCs and wearables. The company has now set a new recycled material goal, and that is to incorporate at least one recycled material in every module of every mobile product by 2030.

Taking the efforts to scale recycled materials a step further, the Galaxy S24 Series incorporates recycled aluminium, glass, plastic, and more. Samsung has meticulously sourced and integrated expanded recycled materials across the product, including neodymium, iron, and copper in key components. Their commitment to sustainability goes beyond the product itself. Notably, the packaging box of the Galaxy S24 is crafted from 100% recycled paper material, reducing waste and environmental impact.

In a pioneering move, the Galaxy S24 Series utilises recycled cobalt and rare earth elements, setting a new standard for responsible sourcing in consumer electronics. Additionally, the Galaxy S24 is the first Galaxy device to incorporate steel and pre-consumer recycled Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), further minimising our environmental footprint while maintaining high standards of performance and quality.

Recognising the importance of durability in sustainable design, the Galaxy S24 Series features a recycled metal frame for enhanced structural integrity. This not only prolongs the lifespan of the device but also reduces the need for frequent replacements, contributing to a more sustainable consumption cycle.

Sustainability efforts cannot be achieved in isolation, and this Earth Day Samsung encourages its consumers and everyone to join the fight in their own spaces by not only getting products and appliances that are environmentally friendly but also by being eco-conscious and adopting daily habits that align. Samsung Galaxy ecosystem is more than a set of devices, it’s a manifestation of the company’s comment to a more sustainable future for all, which it’s excited to bring you along each step of the way.

“At Samsung, we firmly believe that sustainability is not merely a passing trend but rather a profound and unwavering commitment that we are duty-bound to uphold. With the Galaxy S24 Series, we aimed to inspire a new era of eco-conscious innovation, where technology and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. By deliberately prioritising our efforts in sustainable design and production, we are doing our bit to pave the way towards a greener, more sustainable future,” said Justin Hume, Vice President for Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics South Africa.

Note - Press release as supplied by Samsung South Africa

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Dialing Up Nights Out: HEINEKEN® & BODEGA Launch The NO-FRILLS ‘BORING PHONE’

Hi Guys, 

• Heineken® and US brand and retail marketplace Bodega have launched ‘The Boring Phone', to help people discover there is more to their social life when there is less on their phone
• Produced by Human Mobile Devices (HMD), ‘The Boring Phone’ takes things back to basics with no access to the internet, social media or other apps
• Building on the theme of digital disconnection, HMD debuts white label business announced at MWC in 2024 with new collaborators Heineken and Bodega
• The device will be shown for the first time on Thursday 18th April at a pop-up Bodega at Milan Design Week; the world’s leading festival for design and innovation
• Following research that reveals 90% of people admit to habitually scrolling on nights out, Heineken® has answered the “call” from young adults who want to disconnect from their tech

Heineken®, in collaboration with tastemakers in street culture, Bodega have launched ‘The Boring Phone’ produced by Human Mobile Devices (HMD).

The limited run of ‘dumb’ phones - specifically designed to have reduced tech capabilities - has been created to encourage people to enjoy better real-life connections on nights out by disconnecting from their smartphones.

With smartphones becoming so advanced and interesting to the user, it’s easier than ever to connect to the online world but harder to stay in the moment. Produced by European mobile innovator, Human Mobile Devices (HMD), the Heineken® x Bodega Boring Phone strips back the distractions of today’s smartphones. Designed to deliver the basics needed for a great night out, the phone’s primary function is to send and receive calls and text messages.

The phone’s transparent casing and holographic stickers draw inspiration from Gen Z’s love of Newtro fashion and design and are reminiscent of mobile phones of the early 2000s. With modern-day frills removed, the phone is unable to download social media or other apps that take away from being present. It also has a handy week of standby time and up to 20 hours of talk time.

As smartphones continue to dominate attention spans globally, new research commissioned by Heineken® reveals 90% of Zillennials* across the UK and US confess to doom scrolling while socialising with friends and family; checking their devices seven times each night out on average.

When it comes to the biggest distractions, two-thirds admit to checking social media (62%) when hanging out with others, while over a third (36%) confess to checking work emails. Three in ten (30%) also revealed they sneakily play games instead of engaging with their family and friends at the moment.

But as over a third (37%) reveal that they check their phones more often than they should when socialising, the tide is beginning to turn with 32% admitting they would like to be able to switch off from their phones while on a night out.

Encouragingly, one in five (22%) revealed they already turn their phone off or leave it at home ahead of social occasions and a further two in five (38%) say they’d consider doing so.

Heineken® and Bodega have embarked on this partnership to show people that there is more to their social life when there is less on their phones.

Nabil Nasser, the Global Head of Heineken® comments, “We could all do with a break from the constant distractions of smart tech; something our research has shown is even more important to our Gen Z and Millennial consumers. When we spoke to them about their smartphone usage, we quickly realised that many feel they are habitually distracted when socialising by their device but also admit they didn’t want to go completely phone-free. At Heineken®, we want to foster moments of genuine connection and help people experience the joy of true togetherness. In creating The Boring Phone we have gone back to basics, we have dialled down the tech to help people truly connect over a beer, without any distraction from the constant buzzing and dings.”

Lars Silberbauer, CMO of Human Mobile Devices (HMD), Europe’s leading mobile innovator and manufacturer said, “Early in 2023, we spotted something cool with Gen Z in the US. They started cutting down their screen time to feel better mentally, swapping their smartphones for simpler phones. As big fans of unplugging from the digital buzz, we’re super excited about launching The Boring Phone with Heineken and Bodega. It’s definitely going to get people talking when they're out and about.”

Oliver Mak, co-founder of Bodega adds, “At Bodega, we see ourselves as a vehicle for connecting culture and young people, so when Heineken approached us to collaborate on a project designed to do exactly this, we were excited to get involved. Despite having grown up surrounded by technology, us Gen Z and Millennials are now recognising that our dependence on our phones is impacting our ability to make actual, real-life connections. This in turn impacts our ability to have fun, and on a macro level, the development of culture.

“Smartphones can be too interesting, so we wanted to design a boring one. We were really inspired by the rise of Newtro and wanted to reinterpret a past cultural icon that some younger Zillennials may not have experienced before. We can’t wait to see the response to The Boring Phone as we merge our visions in a shared pursuit of creativity and community. This is truly going to help answer the call for better nights out.”

Emerging Ibiza-based, British producer, TSHA, who is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young artists in the industry, will be celebrating The Boring Phone launch with a giveaway to fans, having experienced first-hand how smart tech serves as a barrier to being in the moment at music events.

TSHA says, “As an artist, you want to connect with the audience to know they’re having a good time, but it’s hard to do this when you look up from the decks and see a sea of smartphones flashing in your face. I would love to see a world where we enter the venue and just live in the moment; connect with the artist, our mates and just have a good time. The Heineken x Bodega Boring Phone is the perfect antidote to the barriers smart tech poses to nights out.”

Heineken® and Bodega will unveil The Boring Phone at Milan Design Week on Thursday 18th April, with a party hosted by the collaborators. Following this, devices will be given away to revellers around the world, so they can disconnect, reclaim quality time with friends, family and loved ones, and dial up their nights out.

An app that will turn smartphones boring will also be launched in June to give those who don’t manage to get their hands on a physical device the Boring Phone experience.

To discover more about The Boring Phone and why ditching smart tech enables better nights out, visit: www.heineken.com/theboringphone.

About the Boring Phone 

Dimensions 108 x 55 x 18.9mm, 123g

Displays Internal: 2.8” QVGA | External: 1.77" QQVGA

Camera 0.3MP + LED flash

Design Ergonomic flip phone with DualSIM

Audio FM radio (wired/wireless)

Connectivity 2G, 3G, 4G | Bluetooth 4.2 | 3.5mm AV jack | Micro USB 

Battery 1,450mAh (removable) Up to 6 hrs 3G/4G networks talk time. Up to 20hrs talk time in 2G networks | Over a week of standby time

Storage Internal: 128MB | MicroSD slot up to 32GB

Charging Micro USB

Aum Namah Shivay!

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HUAWEI FreeClip Now Available in South Africa: Earbuds Redefine Comfort with C-bridge Design @HuaweiZA

Hi Guys, 

For the longest time, open-ear earbuds have generated mixed responses from the audio community. On the one hand, they offer an alternative to in-ear earbuds that have now dominated the market and left little space for design variety. On the other hand, many of the recent open-ear earbuds have been met with disinterest, with critics citing the discomfort and inconvenience of the popular neckband or ear-hook form factors.

These reasons have been the driving force behind the creation and, more recently, the popularity of the HUAWEI FreeClip – now available in South Africa. Recognising the shortcomings of most open-ear earbuds, HUAWEI took user feedback about design, comfort, and audio experience seriously. What followed was three full years of development to perfect this new form earbud form factor, resulting in the unique C-Bridge Design.

The Innovation Story Behind the C-bridge Design

Launched as part of HUAWEI’s latest Fashion Forward direction, the FreeClip embodies both style and comfort. Sporting the cool factor of a fashionable ear accessory, it appeals to style-conscious users and trendy youth seeking tech that elevates their look. To suit a variety of tastes and styles, the iconic C-bridge design comes in two distinct looks —

iridescent Purple and minimalist-chic Black

However, the FreeClip's clip-on design is more than just an ear clip. HUAWEI specially designed the C-bridge, employing extensive and complex engineering to strike a balance between aesthetics and ergonomic comfort. To achieve the optimal design balancing size, weight and quality, HUAWEI spent three years crafting the earbuds using human-centred design philosophies. The result was an efficient C-shaped style, which ties the device's design, acoustics, and control operations together, all while ensuring stability and durability.

Ergonomic Comfort and Stability

The C-bridge Design was created using global data from over 10,000 human ears, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit regardless of ear size and shape. It uses high-performance nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) shape memory alloy, which ensures optimal comfort for different ear sizes and shapes. Each earbud weighs just 5.6 grams - light enough for all-day wear.

Together with the ergonomic convex-concave structures of the Acoustic Ball and Comfort Bean, each feature works together to distribute pressure more effectively across the ear, reducing the typical discomfort often caused by clip-on devices. This creates a secure yet comfortable fit.

Improved Open-Ear Audio Experience

The actual audio experience of many open-ear earbuds is nothing but disappointing. This is mostly because of the distance from the sound outlet to the ear canals, which not only lessens the clarity of the audio but also increases the possibility of sound leakage. The C-bridge Design solves this by optimising the distance and the angle between the Comfort Bean and Acoustic Ball, which are tilted at an angle of 11.4°, to fit snugly along the curvature of the ear. The Acoustic Ball aligns with the ear canal, comfortably covering the helix crus and antitragus without blocking the canal.

At the same time, the HUAWEI FreeClip's audio quality has been further bolstered with two features – its dual-magnet high-sensitivity driver unit and Reverse Sound Waves System. The dual-magnetic driver increases the magnetic induction intensity, thus creating better sound clarity and resonance, while the Reverse Sound Waves System reduces sound leakage and makes the audio more immersive and private.

Convenience Redefined: 36-hour Battery Life, Sweat and Water Resistance, and more

The C-bridge supports touch gestures along its surface, so users can easily control the audio playback with simple taps. And despite its lightweight body, the FreeClip can last up to 36 hours together with the charging case, with each earbud lasting up to 8 hours of continuous use.

Even though the FreeClip uses an open-ear design, its triple call noise reduction feature ensures crystal clear calls even in noisy environments. Together with an AI-powered DNN algorithm as well as a sound suppression duct built into the Acoustic Ball, it can effectively cancel ambient noises and curb wind interference for distraction-free communication.

Active users who often use their earbuds for fitness activities can rest assured that their earbuds are protected by IP54 water, dust, sweat and water resistance. This allows them to sweat it out freely during workout sessions and enjoy comfortable yet breathable open-ear earbuds. ​

Experience the Freedom of Sound and Style

It's about time open-ear earbuds got a facelift. The HUAWEI FreeClip has embraced the emerging demand for fashion-driven technology and boasts thoughtful design and innovation.

It's great for users looking for functional earbuds stylish enough to flaunt anywhere, whether it's the gym, office, or a night out with friends.

Get your hands on the FreeClip from Vodacom for R189 a month for 24 months or for R129 a month for 36 months. Alternatively, head to the HUAWEI Online Store and purchase yours for R3 999.

I will wait for these to arrive on my desk for review and then I can check out whatever is mentioned in the article above. Till that, it's all on the papers for me!!! Cheers!!!

Aum Namah Shivay!

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TechnoGirl Trust: Empowering Women in STEM for Societal Development

Hi Guys, 

The TechnoGirl Trust, a pioneering organisation dedicated to bridging the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, continues its mission to improve the lives of all South Africans by empowering young girls and women to pursue careers in these vital areas. With a focus on the transformative impact of STEM jobs on society and individual lives, the Trust continues to emphasise the importance of female representation in these fields for societal development and progress, and the stats are representative of this view.

STEM careers have long been recognised as catalysts for innovation, economic growth, and social advancement. However, women remain under-represented in these fields, contributing to a lack of diverse perspectives and talent. Though research from the World Bank shows that increasing the number of women in STEM jobs could lead to a 25% increase in South Africa's GDP, according to Statistics South Africa, only 23% of employed individuals in STEM occupations are women. The TechnoGirl Trust continues to change this narrative through its programmes by providing mentorship, support, and opportunities for young women to explore and excel in STEM disciplines, from grade 8 to post-schooling and beyond.

Research has consistently shown that diverse teams drive innovation and problem-solving, leading to more effective solutions that benefit society as a whole. By encouraging more women to pursue STEM careers, the TechnoGirl Trust not only promotes gender equality but also fosters the development of a more inclusive and innovative workforce.

A report by the South African Institute of Race Relations found that women make up only 30% of students enrolled in STEM-related fields in tertiary institutions, and this can grow immensely through continued collaboration. The TechnoGirl Trust invites companies and organisations to join them in their mission to support and empower women in STEM. By becoming a donor, a partner or a hosting company for the job shadowing programme, businesses can play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of female STEM professionals.

Together, we can create a more diverse, innovative, and inclusive workforce that drives societal development and progress.

For more information on how to get involved with or support the TechnoGirl Trust's initiatives, please visit https://technogirltrust.co.za/ or contact Andolene Hofmeyr at andolene@technogirltrust.co.za.

Join us in empowering women in STEM and shaping a brighter future for all.

About TechnoGirl Trust:

The TechnoGirl Trust is a leading organisation dedicated to empowering young girls and women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Through mentorship, support, and opportunities, the Trust aims to bridge the gender gap in STEM and foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce for societal development and progress.

Aum Namah Shivay!

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