Jenny Dyer, PhD, Executive Director of Hope Through Healing Hands
Today, I am speaking at the Information and Communications Technology for Development and Faith (ICT4DF) Network Conference preceding the Infopoverty World Conference hosted at the United Nations this week. This conference focuses on the interface of technology and the alleviation of poverty in the developing world. In particular, my session hosts a number global health experts speaking to this issue from a faith-based perspective. Questions include: (1) How do ICT4DF tools maximize results in empowering global missions outreach and sustainable development; and (2) how can we transform traditional organizational paradigms from charity-based missions to maximum impact for developing communities.
I speak at the Church Center for the United Nations on the new technologies of family planning or Health Spacing and Timing of Pregnancies (HTSP). I will discuss the issues and facts around maternal, newborn, and child health as well as HTSP. In doing so, I will highlight Ethiopia as a strong example of increased contraception prevalence. Moreover, I will share the newer implant, Jadelle, as a contraceptive option available for Ethiopian women who wish to avoid pregnancies for up to five years. These kinds of technological advances in reversible contraception will save lives, keep girls in school, and increase economic stability—for families and for the nation.