Applications call for OpenIDEO COVID-19 Global South Health and Livelihoods Challenge

The OpenIDEO COVID-19 Global South Health and Livelihoods Challenge seeks innovative ideas that demonstrate a deep understanding of low- and middle-income families in urban areas in the Global South and of those who have been most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re accepting all stages of innovations, from the initial design stage to full-scale rollout. Anyone is able to submit to the Challenge, whether you are an individual, a team, or a registered organization.

Introduction to the Challenge

As COVID-19 began to spread at the beginning of 2020, some of the earliest and strictest lockdown policies were imposed by governments in the Global South, a term that refers broadly to the regions of Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania. Despite this, statistics show that as of August 12, 2020, many of the countries experiencing the highest COVID-related death rates are in the Global South, among them: Brazil, Mexico, India, Peru, Iran, Colombia, South Africa, and Chile.

The Problem

The challenge of COVID-19 for low- and middle-income families in the urban Global South represents a confluence of many challenges in one. According to the IPI Global Observatory, the Global South has “the highest rates of COVID-19 in the world, a lack of adequate access to healthcare, and a large emerging middle class that is at risk of sliding back into poverty.” Statistics from the region only compound the gravity of this reality. For example:

• According to a report recently published by ECLAC United Nations, the poverty rate in Latin America and the Caribbean is expected to jump by 4.4% in 2020, translating into about 30 million of people who had entered the middle class, moving backward into poverty.
• A majority of the population in countries like Peru (76%), Colombia (74%), Brasil (80%), South Africa (64.3%) live in urban areas, and many of them live in multi-generational households. People living in close quarters and the urban density puts older adults and those with underlying medical conditions at even higher risk.
• Many lower- and middle-income cities and communities are living in substandard and poorly ventilated buildings, making diseases easier to spread. Many lack access to clean water, basic sanitation, and regular electricity. Often, those who commute for work rely on crowded public transportation, where there is a high risk of disease transfer.

Prizes

• Prize funds and support will be available to up to 10 Top Ideas. Additionally, Top Ideas will be invited to pitch their concepts to leadership from Intercorp to be considered for additional investment and implementation.
• Select ideas may also have the opportunity to be coached by La Victoria Lab, Intercorp’s innovation lab, to explore pathways for implementation.

Eligibility 

• OpenIDEO COVID-19 Global South Health and Livelihoods Challenge is open to entrepreneurs, researchers, scientists, students, private and public sector organizations, nonprofits, and others working anywhere in the Global South or with a deep understanding of the context in which communities in the region are operating.
• They welcome innovative ideas that demonstrate a deep understanding of low and middle-income families in urban areas in the Global South and of those who have been most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• They are accepting all stages of innovations, from the initial design stage to full-scale rollout.
• Anyone is able to submit to the Challenge, whether the applicants is an individual, a team, or a registered organization.

More information here