UNICEF has teamed-up with design firm Frog and smartphone chip designer ARM to search for new uses for wearables that could be used to save lives in underdeveloped countries. The goal of the “Wearables for Good” challenge is to inspire design and technology experts and entrepreneurs that create wearables to improve health standards in these countries.

According to NPD Group’s Vice President of Connected Intelligence, Eddie Hold, 42 percent of fitness tracker owners abandon their devices after six months. UNICEF wants entrepreneurs to find ways to recycle those ditched products into something that can help people get away from disaster, disease and death.

Residents of these areas more often than not own a mobile phone which could be paired with or serve as a form of wearable health device.Among the challenges companies are seeking remedies for in the competition are a disaster alert system; a diagnostic device to non-clinically examine infections; tools to provide access to basic healthcare and nutrition for mothers and children; and a system to officially register children even if they are located in remote areas.

UNICEF is looking for a different kind of devices, ranging from implants, such as pacemakers, to external wearables such as a bracelet or headgear, and products that are placed near the body and can be attached to clothing.

Even though some regions of Africa and Asia lack basic necessities like running water, residents of these areas more often than not own a mobile phone which could be paired with or serve as a form of wearable health device.

The deadline for submissions is August 4.

[Via: MedCityNews]