Vodacom is mapping HIV-related support centres that will be accessible through its location-based service, the Grid.
The company says its social network has now mapped out 11 000 support centres for HIV prevention and treatment across SA. At last count, the Grid sported over a million users, providing Vodacom with an ideal social responsibility platform.
The new service allows users to see where the nearest HIV treatment centre is, including all the required contact details and directions.
Vodacom has partnered with the HIV-911 programme, which provides a comprehensive guide of HIV- and AIDS-related support services in SA. “The main objective of the programme is to ensure that information about HIV support services is accessible to all South Africans,” says Shameel Joosub, MD of Vodacom SA.
He says by using a broad range of cellphones to tap a large user base, the company hopes to make as much HIV-related information available as possible. “This is a great initiative to communicate the value of getting tested to a younger target audience in a social networking environment. It's just another example of how mobile technology can help create a better life for ordinary South Africans.”
Rival mobile operator MTN has, over the last year, run a similar campaign through its please-call-me service. Half a million calls went through to the HIV/Aids call centre within the first six months of the service's launch.
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Please call the HIV helpline
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