What is SocialTxt?

The SocialTxt messaging platform uses the 120 "unused" characters of a 'please call me' (PCM) message to deliver a social call to action. Messages include a variety of user responses including directive to call the Helpline, SMS the Helpline, receive the location of the nearest VCT center, take a quiz or poll, or click onto a WAP (mobile internet) portal to learn more.

SocialTxt encourages individuals to access information that will allow them to make informed decisions about their health (and potentially, financial, economic and social security). This tool can be used by non-profit and for-profit partners to create and deliver effective messaging to enhance access to information and services for typically underserved populations.

How does it work?

SocialTxt uses PCM space as an interactive SMS billboard. In partnership with leading network provider MTN, SocialTxt currently leverages approximately 1 million HIV-AIDS-messages each day (from 1 Oct 2008 to 29 Sept 2009) to link South Africans to the National AIDS Helpline. The SocialTxt messages include a variety of user responses including directive to call the Helpline, SMS the Helpline, receive the location of the nearest VCT center, take a quiz or poll, or click onto a WAP (mobile internet) portal to learn more.

Results

SocialTxt has demonstrated that the PCM platform drives behavior change. In August 2007, SocialTxt increased call volumes to the National AIDS Helpline by over 200% (>1500 additional calls per day). In a follow up study two weeks later, one call centre indicated that 41% of its users had accessed HIV services following a SocialTxt campaign. Our current work with MTN, is demonstrating even greater returns.
In addition:

Praekelt Foundation has also developed another mobile messaging tool, called TxtAlert.

TxtAlert is an adherence messaging system.  It is an open source mobile technology tool that supports both ART patients and - service providers, to improve adherence to ARV-medication.

•    It support patients through SMS alerts about their future clinic appointments and offers a free mechanism (called “Please-Call-Me”) that allows patients to reschedule appointments,
•    It supports service providers through a tracking mechanism that allows them to track when patients have attended and missed appointments or medication pick-up, in an attempt to reduce “lost to follow up”.

What challenge is TxtAlert trying to address?

Between 10-30% of ART patients in South Africa are “lost to follow up” each year.  The product’s hypothesis is that patients, who do not receive regular check-ups and medication, are more likely to a) deviate from treatment programmes, and b) develop drug-resistant strains of the HI-Virus. Ultimately, TxtAlert aims to prove that increasing patient-provider communication and contact will improve treatment adherence over time.

How does it work?

Patients opt-in, allowing for the delivery of messages to remind them of future appointments.  Patients also receive follow-up messages to reschedule if an appointment is being missed.  Meanwhile, clinic staff members are able to monitor trends in attendance through a user-friendly web-based interface. 

Locations