Tag: Public Health Policy
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Civic Engagement: solving for misinformation during a pandemic
Introduction Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the world saw an unprecedented surge in misinformation and disinformation, complicating public health efforts. Pista Ventures, in response to this crisis, developed COTU, a WhatsApp-based communication tool designed to provide accurate, validated information about COVID-19 to residents of the eThekwini Municipality. By leveraging geo-targeted messaging, COTU aimed to inform the…
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Circular Systems: prototyping for the visually impaired using plastic waste
Introduction Pista Ventures, seizing an opportunity provided by the South African Cities Network (SACN) aligning to the Integrated Urban Development Framework (IUDF), conceptualised “Open Oceans,” an innovative urban ocean lab project in Durban, South Africa. This initiative aimed to tackle the pressing issue of ocean plastics pollution by focusing on Durban’s river systems, which act…
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Food Systems: a manifesto for Africa developed by youth
Introduction Pista Ventures, as a founding contributor of the African Food Systems Manifesto, embarked on an ambitious journey to reshape the continent’s food systems. Recognising the critical role food systems play in societal health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability, the initiative aimed to foster a collaborative, continent-wide movement towards more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food…
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Polycrisis: civic technology in a time of crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest and recent flooding in KwaZulu-Natal has illustrated the need for data-driven insights to help various stakeholders find the necessary information to assist or be assisted in times of need. Across KwaZulu-Natal, important information is inaccessible to the public, or is difficult to locate, retrieve and analyse during a disaster. In…
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Public Health: auditing taverns & shebeens during COVID19
Introduction Pista Ventures, known for its innovative solutions in entrepreneurial and social challenges, was subcontracted by The Hookup Dinner (THUD) to conduct a comprehensive audit of taverns and shebeens in Kwazulu Natal. This initiative was a response to the stringent alcohol restrictions implemented across South Africa due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary goal was…

